WWE star CM Punk reflects on failed UFC career: “I would be kicking myself to this day if I said no”

WWE star CM Punk just couldn’t say no when the UFC offered him a chance to fight in 2014.

‘The Straight Edge Superstar’ is one of the most popular personalities to ever come out of professional wrestling. However, after leaving the WWE in early 2013, CM Punk didn’t have any real destination. Feeling fed up with the world of professional wrestling, he instead looked to MMA and the UFC.

A longtime friend of Dana White, CM Punk was quickly offered the opportunity to fight in the UFC in 2014. Despite having very little experience, beyond some time rolling on the mats, he signed a deal to compete. Quickly, Punk went down to train with Duke Roufus and the likes of Anthony Pettis and Ben Askren.

Two years later at UFC 203 in September 2016, CM Punk finally made his debut. Predictably, the former WWE star was smashed by the rising Mickey Gall, losing by first-round submission. Two years later, Punk returned to Chicago, and was handed another loss by Mike Jackson. Although, that was later overturned to a no-contest due to a failed drug test by ‘The Truth’.

On Saturday night, CM Punk was present at UFC 298 in California. Backstage, the former welterweight was asked about his MMA career in an interview with SportsNet. The 45-year-old seemed content with his brief foray into the sport, even though it ended in a pair of defeats.

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WWE superstar CM Punk reflects on failed UFC stint

“Time [made me change my mind], timing is everything.” CM Punk stated in the interview with SportsNet when asked about his return to professional wrestling with the WWE. “I think me saying ‘never’, you learn real fast that it’s not just this business or the wrestling business, or any business in life. You never say never. Who thought I ever would’ve fought in the UFC?”

He continued, “I was afforded an opportunity by Lorenzo and Dana, and I would be kicking myself to this day if I said no. I’m not a guy who lives with regret, I seize opportunities. Whether someone on the internet thinks I deserve them or not. I work hard for my dreams, and I will always chase them. A lot of clouds parted, and time heals all wounds, so when I came back to wrestling, it was just the right time.”

While CM Punk returned to the world of professional wrestling in 2021, he didn’t formally announce his retirement until a few months later. With that, fans shouldn’t expect to see the former welterweight in the UFC cage ever again.

What do you make of these comments from former UFC fighter CM Punk? What did you make of his brief foray into MMA?