7 Ways UFC Could Book CM Punk's Return
6. Throw Him To The Wolves
Instead of a developmental league fighting other inexperienced fighters, the UFC could just outright throw Punk in the deep end.
Sure, he floundered against Mickey Gall, but maybe he'd do better the second time out. It could happen, right?
Before you discount this idea, consider that as far as the UFC is concerned, CM Punk is a short term investment. He's being used to generate some interest in a year when Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, and even Conor McGregor may be gone from the promotion, or at least inactive. It's a stop-gap measure to allow other stars to emerge from the wood pile.
Now, what would draw more eyeballs than the UFC version of a squash match featuring one of pro wrestling's most divisive figures?
Punk would have to agree to any proposed opponent, of course, and it's unlikely he'd be interested, but there's a certain freakshow element that always sells well in MMA. It's why Alberto del Rio, as Dos Caras Jr., fought the legendary Mirko Cro-Cop (and was head-kicked to the canvas). It's why Ray Mercer fought Tim Sylvia, and why Kimo fought Bam Bam Bigelow.
Who would the "wolf" be for CM Punk? Frankly, just about anyone in the UFC welterweight division with a winning record. Which is basically everyone. In any case, you might sell a few PPVs with this approach.