UFC: 5 Ways CM Punk Can Revitalize His MMA Career
'It ain't over till it's over.'
Even the most die-hard CM Punk fan would have to admit his MMA career hasn't gotten off to the best start. Truthfully, things really couldn't have gone much worse.
In both of his Octagon appearances, the former pro wrestler was beaten decisively. This prompted UFC President Dana White to declare that Punk's days fighting for the promotion had come to an end. Despite this significant setback, the Chicago native appears hesitant to give up on the sport entirely.
So what does a 40-year-old with minimal experience in combat sports and 0-2 professional record do to keep his MMA dream alive? In Punk's case, his celebrity status gives him several options that wouldn't be available to most fighters in his position.
If the former WWE champ decides he still wants to be a part of the MMA world, he just needs to think outside the box a bit. To that point, here are five ways CM Punk can breathe some life back into a career that many believe is (or at least should be) over.
These options won't lead to a world championship — that's just not realistic at this point — but they could provide him with the opportunity to end his mixed martial arts journey on a high note.
5. Do An Exhibition Bout For Charity
Despite the negativity surrounding Punk's MMA career, he is still a person of interest, particularly in pro wrestling circles. This means that plenty of folks would tune in (or show up) to watch him fight again.
If Punk wanted to put a positive spin on his MMA run and also do some good, then an exhibition bout for charity would be the way to go.
Perhaps he could face a local firefighter or have a drawing in which a fan could earn an opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the former UFC competitor. Interested parties could pay a nominal fee to view the event online — with the proceeds going to the charity of Punk's choice.
He's competed for charity in the past on MTV's The Challenge —so there's a reason to believe this is something he would be interested in.
Besides the good publicity, the scenario might also provide Punk with a winnable matchup — though firefighters are a tough lot. It would be an unconventional, but potentially effective way to keep his MMA career moving forward.