We finally had an opponent, and we had an idea of a timeframe for the fight, but now we will again have to wait to see CM Punk's UFC debut after it emerged that the former WWE superstar has again suffered an injury setback.
Ariel Helwani today broke the news that CM Punk needs surgery on a back problem that has been bothering him since he left professional wrestling, and no indication has been given as to when we can expect him to finally make his debut.
This news comes just days after Mickey Gall was officially named as Punk's opponent after he easily submitted Mike Jackson via rear-naked choke just 45 seconds into the first round at UFC Fight Night 82, and many were puzzled by the awkward staredown that took place in the octagon immediately after that fight, but now that will be put on the shelf while Punk works his way back to fitness.
My back has always bugged me. Figured it was just wrestling shit. Turns out it was.
It got bad enough to the point where I couldn't do anything the week before I went to train with the New Jersey Devils last month. One day I could manage, the next day I couldn't. I've been in agony for almost a month. Chiropractor, acupuncture, massage, cryotherapy ... nothing worked.
This is just a bump in the road, I'm positive about this.
It has also been revealed that CM Punk knew he needed surgery before Mickey Gall's fight last weekend, which makes the tameness of their staredown a bit more understandable, but surely it shouldn't have taken place at all if that was the case?
In the aftermath of Gall's win, many UFC fans suggested that the man found on 'Dana White: Lookin' For A Fight' would absolutely destroy CM Punk given how easily he dealt with Mike Jackson (someone perceived to be on a similar skill level to Punk), but now we may not ever find out if that is the case.
You would have to imagine that Gall won't be asked to wait around for Punk, considering he is fit to fight having just come off a first-minute finish, so does that mean the entire process of finding an opponent for Phil Brooks starts over again? If so, it would really make it difficult to take the entire situation seriously, having seen so many setbacks since the surprising original idea was announced.
The saga continues...
via MMAfighting.com
