7 Ways UFC Could Book CM Punk's Return
4. An Appearance On The Ultimate Fighter
Punk needs experience. TUF needs ratings. It's win-win.
The Ultimate Fighter has struggled in recent years. The show was even rumored to be facing cancellation late last year, until The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption was announced. TUF 25 will bring back former UFC fighters (and even one current one) as they vie for another chance in the promotion. It's a cool concept with some popular names, and shows that the UFC is looking to really boost interest in the show.
Why not add Punk then? Prior to his fight with Mickey Gall, Punk had offered to do the show. UFC nixed the idea, but it's time to reconsider. In fact, rumors have even gone around that Punk will appear on the show this season, backed by the fact that fourteen names were announced for TUF 25, compared to 16 for TUF 24. Are the UFC holding back a pair of fighters to make this a surprise?
Who knows? However, even if it's not this season, putting Punk on a Redemption style season of The Ultimate Fighter would make a lot of sense. It's either that, or create Celebrity Ultimate Fighter, and let him compete against other crossover stars.
Actually, that could work, like a real life celebrity death match.