Despite the fact that he was totally outclassed by an upcoming prospect in Mickey Gall, CM Punk stated last night that his days with the UFC may not be beyond him.
Evidently, CM Punk (Phil Brooks) is a huge crossover in the United States as his appearance on the UFC 203 main card estimated to bring in an extra 125,000-225,000 pay-per-view buys or roughly $4.5 million+ in additional revenue.
However, when you pit a 37 year old man - who has no previous MMA experience - against a young prospect that dedicates every spare moment to the sport, it only tends to go one way.
The former WWE star lasted a total of two minutes and fourteen seconds inside the octagon before conceding defeat via rear-naked choke, all while failing to land a single significant strike. It was a debut of Jonathan Woodgate proportions.
JUST LIKE THAT! @mickeygall submits @CMPunk via rear-naked choke! #UFC203 https://t.co/uGzy5DqVkf
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) September 11, 2016
Nevertheless, the Chicago native told Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour that he has not ruled out a return to the octagon in the near future;
I had a good conversation with him [Dana White]. I told him 'if you want to cut me, I get it but I'm going to fight again whether it's for you [the UFC] or somebody else.'
He floated me an idea and we're going back and fourth with it right now.
I'm at a point where I just want to get something on paper. You might hear an announcement in the coming weeks.
I'm pretty confident that I'll be in the UFC.
This may come as a surprise to the masses but when you are receiving $500,000 dollars to compete against inexperienced opponents then it would be hard to fault the man for wanting to return.
His pay-out following UFC 203 enraged the MMA community at the time.
Everyone giving props to @CMPunk for stepping in the cage and fighting in the @UFC, but damn who wouldn't take that ass beating for $500,000
— kurt holobaugh (@KurtHolobaugh) September 12, 2016
what a joke
— Rory MacDonald (@rory_macdonald) September 12, 2016
However, since WME-IMG's acquisition of the UFC, the group will be keen to recoup some of the $4 billion which they invested earlier this year. Undoubtedly, CM Punk attracts attention - and in turn boosts much needed revenue - as people are eager to see him either win or suffer yet another humiliation.
As for a timeline for his octagon return? January or February" he informs Ariel Helwani.
