There is serious interest within the MMA industry for the signature of former WWE star CM Punk. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that both UFC and Bellator are keen on acquiring the 36 year old jiu jitsu practitioner. "MMA insider Frontrow Brian had talked about UFC negotiations with Punk, and from all accounts, there is smoke to that fire," Dave Meltzer writes in the Observer, "I can tell you factually that Bellator has significant interest in him as well." As a WWE guy, Punk will be met with immediate criticism from MMA fans. They'll see him as a guy who got a job based on his celebrity rather than his actual sporting talents. Just take a look at the boos Brock Lesnar got through his UFC career, even after proving himself against heavyweights like Randy Couture and Shane Carwin. Punk does have experience in jiu jitsu, but he'd probably be the first to admit that he's not at a rounded MMA level. If he was brought in to UFC, surely it would be at the rookie 'The Ultimate Fighter' level. He'd be a significant draw for TUF's low TV ratings, and it would also accommodate his lack of experience. You can understand why some MMA fans will be frustrated at Punk getting an opportunity. There's plenty of more accomplished fighters who deserve a UFC deal way more than this physically broken down former WWE champion. However, the UFC are thinking about CM Punk from a commercial standpoint. The MMA leader has lost significant parts of the casual audience since Brock Lesnar left in 2011, so Punk would act as a 'name' to draw some interest back to Ultimate Fighting. Whether he can actually make a serious career in UFC is very doubtful. Fighting is a young man's game and Punk has had a history of injury problems in the WWE. UFC might even be tempted to shoot him in as a one off attraction, a bit like they did with boxer James Toney in 2010. UFC President Dana White has always said he doesn't go for gimmicks, but the promoter in him wouldn't be able to resist Punk's box office appeal. If Punk wasn't comfortable fighting in the UFC, then Bellator MMA would perhaps be a safer option. It might not pay as well as the UFC would, but the lower skill level would give him a better chance of being competitive. It is no surprise that Bellator are interested in Punk, as they are looking to boost their profile significantly during 2015. One thing for certain, he absolutely must dedicate at least three months of rounded MMA training before seriously considering any UFC or Bellator deal. Originally, WWE had gave Punk a UFC no compete clause when he was fired from the company in June of this year. However, that was waived during Punk's later settlement, leaving the door open for UFC and Bellator to begin negotiating with the retired WWE superstar. Both UFC and Bellator are also circling around Brock Lesnar, the current WWE Champion, who is set to leave pro wrestling when his contract expires in April 2015.
