CM Punk trained for his UFC debut for two years, however the former professional wrestler lasted just 134 seconds in the octagon against Mickey Gall.
Punk, real name Phil Brooks, tapped out when put in a rear naked choke by the 24-year-old at UFC 203 in Cleveland, in what is likely to be his one and only bout in the UFC.
The 37-year-old’s performance didn’t earn any plaudits (although it did earn him a shit load of money), but he won the respect of the MMA community by having the gumption to step into the octagon, despite having no previous experience in mixed martial arts.
Despite his disappointing loss, Punk had some very encouraging words for Gall following the bout.
“Listen to me. Don’t ever say you don’t belong. OK,” Punk said.
“You always belong. You’ve got to believe in yourself. You’re obviously a better man than I am. OK. Don’t ever short yourself. Everyone wants to short you. You know, I believed in myself. You’ve got to believe in yourself as much as I believe in me.”
Stephen Rochford chats with Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour, heated Lee Keegan debate, and Barry Cahill is outnumbered by Mayo backers. Subscribe here on iTunes.
