9 Predictions For CM Punk's Debut At UFC 203
6. Punk's Biggest Struggle Will Be Wrestling
Oddly enough, from viewing the Evolution of Punk mini-series, as unrefined as Punk's striking is, it feels like his biggest struggle might just be wrestling.
Punk does have some jiu-jitsu experience, in fact that's the only area of combat sports he had any real experience in prior to signing with the UFC, and even then it was limited. Wrestling, well outside of the professional variation he basically has none, and he spent a lot of time being taken down in training.
On the flip side, Mickey Gall is a powerful young fighter who could easily dump Punk on his back. His submissions might come into play at that point, but being on your back with a strong opponent isn't easy, and Punk may actually find that his grappling is his biggest weak spot in this fight. Fight night will tell the tale, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Punk taken down early and often in this bout.