Phil ‘CM Punk’ Brooks’ UFC stint didn’t unfold according to his grand plans. The renowned professional wrestler, who recently returned to the WWE roster after a prolonged hiatus (though currently sidelined due to injury, preventing him from active in-ring participation), ventured into the UFC realm between 2016 and 2018. Unfortunately, he faced defeat in both of his bouts, with his second match against Mike Jackson even being overturned to a no-contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana metabolites.
Now, as he prepares for his long-awaited return to WrestleMania after more than a decade, where he’s set to ‘host’ segments of the two-day extravaganza, Punk appears revitalized. Reflecting on his mixed martial arts endeavor, he acknowledges that although it didn’t unfold as envisioned, he harbors no regrets.
During a recent in-studio interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Punk shared his thoughts candidly. Recalling his age at the time of his UFC debut, he expressed incredulity, questioning his own judgment. Despite this, he asserts contentment with his decision to step into the octagon.
“I’m glad I did it,” he affirmed. “Zero regrets. I shouldn’t have fought in Chicago, because of the worst two weeks of my life. Easily the worst two weeks of my life. I couldn’t cut weight properly. I still made weight. I’m proud of myself for that. I’m an ambitious guy.”
The Chicago bout, his second UFC appearance, unfolded amidst legal turmoil with fellow wrestler Colt Cabana. Their dispute stemmed from Punk’s comments on Cabana’s podcast regarding alleged medical negligence by a WWE-affiliated doctor, leading to a disagreement over legal fees.
Despite the tumult surrounding him, including legal battles and media obligations, Punk maintains a sense of pride in his handling of the situation.
“I get it, it’s easy to ‘LOL’ and make fun of me,” he remarked. “Some people look at that and be like, ‘That’s embarrassing.’ I f*cking made the weight. I made the walk. I am 100 percent proud of myself, and I would do it again, because that was me at my absolute worst, and I did it. You want to call me a loser, that’s cool, but I was stoked I got that opportunity, and I was stoked I did it.”
