UFC signs former WWE star CM Punk

MANILA, Philippines – Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar CM Punk has inked an exclusive multi-fight contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The blockbuster news was announced during the broadcast of UFC 181 pay-per-view on Sunday morning, December 7 (PH Time). 

CM Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, recently ended his nearly decade-long relationship with WWE due to several complaints over working conditions.

In addition, the 36-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois admitted that he lost his desire for professional wrestling and added that he has no plans to go back in the sports-entertainment scene.

(RELATED: RAW Deal: You ain’t gotta get Punk to have fun)

The former WWE champion made headlines last week for a series of podcast interviews where he criticized Vince McMahon’s company for how he was treated during his eight-year stint as a performer.

“My professional wrestling days are over, [and] it’s awesome to be here,” he said in an on-air dialogue with UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

CM Punk, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who has trained with renowned black belt Rener Gracie, revealed that competing in the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization is the final step in his athletic career.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I have a background in Kempo (Karate) and I’ve been doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a long time. I felt like it was now or never,” he stated. “I have a limited window most fighters don’t have. I’m either here to win or get my ass kicked. This is my new career. I’m going to go full steam ahead, all systems go.”

As of the moment, no opponent or date was publicly disclosed for CM Punk’s promotional debut.

CM Punk revealed that he plans to strut his wares at middleweight, which has a weight perimeter of 185 pounds, but he stressed that competing at welterweight (170 pounds) is not out of the question.

According to UFC president Dana White, CM Punk will be paired with the sport’s young guns in his initial MMA assignment since he has no prizefighting experience under his belt.

“It’s not like Brock Lesnar. We’re not going to throw the kitchen sink at him. Lesnar had a wrestling background. He is going to fight a guy who is 1-0, 1-1, or 2-1 something like that,” the head honcho quipped.

Aside from CM Punk, pro wrestling standouts who have graced UFC’s cage include former UFC heavyweight champions Brock Lesnar and Josh Barnett, and UFC hall of famers Ken Shamrock and Dan Severn.

Lesnar remains the biggest pay-per-view draw in UFC history. He captured the heavyweight title in 2008 and defended it twice before losing the belt to Cain Velasquez in 2010.

Other WWE talents such as Dave Bautista and Bobby Lashley have also tried their hands in MMA. – Rappler.com