Well that didn't last long.
CM Punk deserves a lot of credit for having the balls to get into the octagon and test himself, but at UFC 203 it was very clear that he was not ready as young prospect Mickey Gall breezed through the former WWE superstar without taking a punch.
A telegraphed shot was punished by Gall who took the fight to the ground in the first exchange, and from there he dominated landing some bombs to CM Punk before eventually sinking in a rear naked choke.
After the fight, CM Punk explained to Joe Rogan that he wasn't finished, and wished to continue pursuing this dream. In fact, Punk essentially cut a promo to Joe Rogan, a message of positivity. It was weird.
While he will no doubt have to improve immensely, there will be no shortage of willing opponents, but there was a lot of support for the former WWE man after the fight from both the world of MMA and pro wrestling.
. @CMPunk Thanks for stepping in the octagon #respect #UFC203 @ufc
— BJ PENN (@bjpenndotcom) September 11, 2016
????... Good after fight speech @CMPunk! ? I'm a fan!
— Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) September 11, 2016
That was one hell of a post-fight speech by CM Punk.
— Chuck Mindenhall (@ChuckMindenhall) September 11, 2016
Don't worry amigo @CMPunk it's all good, you'll be back stronger...
No pasa nada amigo, regresaras a lo grande #muchrespect— Alberto Del Rio (@VivaDelRio) September 11, 2016
The world doesn't need more armchair quarterbacks
It needs guts, gall, action & people not afraid to take risks.
Respect @CMPunk #UFC203— Son Of Havoc (@MDoggMattCross) September 11, 2016
Cheers to @CMPunk ... Takes a lot of guts to bet on yourself and jump with no fear at a challenge. #respek
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) September 11, 2016
