10 Major Predictions For UFC 225: Whittaker Vs. Romero 2
5. CM Punk Vs. Mike Jackson
Almost two years removed from his humiliation by Mickey Gall's hand, it's still fashionable to pile on CM Punk's MMA career. This is understandable. He wouldn't be anywhere near a UFC Octagon if not for his WWE fame, and yes, the fact that two 0-1 fighters will meet on the main card of one of the summer's biggest pay-per-views shreds the organisation's credibility.
Still, none of this will matter to WME-IMG if Punk's name pops the buyrate again. We don't find out whether or not this is the case until after the show, but for many, the fight carries a similar level of morbid curiosity as the Gall clash.
The 39-year-old claims fans will see "a more experienced CM Punk" at UFC 225. Competing in his Chicago hometown should give him an intangible boost too, but how much stock can we put in the words of someone who was so soundly outclassed in his first fight, and was made to trudge through a gruelling defamation trial while preparing for his second?
Jackson is winless himself, but at least has Muay Thai experience. He should make short work of Punk.
Prediction: Mike Jackson via first-round knockout.