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  1. #1
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    CM Punk

    Top MMA Promotion Interested in Bringing in More Pro Wrestlers; Alberto del Rio & More Names Being Discussed
    Mike Killam
    December 7, 2014



    According to PWInsider.com, Bellator MMA is interested in bringing in pro wrestlers to add to their roster. The company recently did a “relaunch” of their product that features more pro wrestling inspired dialogue, with more drama than your standard Mixed Martial Arts show.

    The idea is to bring in wrestlers, who are used to cutting promos and being in front of a camera, and create a hybrid of potentially scripted drama and “storylines” that would end in a real MMA fight. Former TNA World Champion Bobby Lashley is currently on the Bellator roster, as well as King Mo, who has done work for TNA and expressed multiple times that he is a major fan of pro wrestling.

    One big name being discussed is Alberto del Rio, who has a 9-5 professional MMA record, and fought for various promotions prior to signing with WWE. No formal conversations have taken place, and its unknown if the former World Champion would even consider leaving wrestling for real fighting, especially now that he’s a relatively in-demand talent on the lucha scene.

    Bellator officials have stated multiple times that they want to go after Brock Lesnar once his WWE deal expires in 2015. Of course, this news comes after CM Punk made major headlines signing a multi-fight deal with UFC.
    Anyone watching Lucha Underground on EL REY? I confess that I find it entertaining...
    Gene Ching
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  2. #2
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    The Rolling Stone interview

    CM Punk on Joining UFC, Leaving WWE and Getting Punched in the Face
    'I've been getting beat up for most of my adult life...it put me in a good position,' Punk says of his polarizing move to the Octagon


    Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
    CM Punk after signing with UFC on December 6 in Las Vegas.
    By Kenny Herzog | December 10, 2014

    Months before Phil Brooks – the man known to wrestling fans everywhere as superstar CM Punk – announced he'd signed with Ultimate Fighting Championship, the former World Wrestling Entertainment champion's next move was a mystery.

    He was last seen performing for WWE on January 26 at the Royal Rumble, and until speaking out in incendiary fashion on friend Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast last month, Brooks had fans speculating about his status, and dirt sheets digging for clues as to whether his disappearance was all a "work." Or, if it were legit, the public wanted answers as to why he left, whether he'd ever return and – either way – what comes next.

    Well, now you know. The 36-year-old Chicagoan, who has no in-ring mixed martial arts experience, will step inside the Octagon some time next year, where he'll likely spar as a middleweight. In the interim, he'll continue his training in Jiu-Jitsu (his mentor is martial-arts icon Rener Gracie) and other MMA techniques, answer critics and try to dodge social-media scuttlebutt, all while enjoying whatever free time he can find with new bride AJ Lee, who remains a high-profile draw for WWE's Divas division.

    Three days removed from his blockbuster deal, Brooks emerged from his mainstream-media blackout and spoke with Rolling Stone – while doing Christmas-accessory shopping at a Chicago Walgreens – about communication breakdowns, building his brand and always striving to be the best in the world.

    Have you been surprised by the range of reactions to your UFC signing?
    I can't say it's gone as I expected. A few notable, big names in UFC have been extremely supportive. Whether they have ulterior motives is yet to be seen. I tend to tune out the negativity, and there's been a lot of positive stuff. I think a lot of people are curious, and I think a lot of people understand my mindset.

    Are critics not being realistic about what a win-win this is for you and the company?
    I definitely do think it's a win-win for myself and the UFC, but I will be quick to point out that, normally, the first person to tell you that something's impossible has already failed at it. And this is not me passing judgment on anyone else. It's just my perception of things. There's a very real possibility that whatever anybody's definition of failure is, that might happen to me, but I'm confident it won't, because I believe in myself and I believe in my ability. All this is me; it's my life. I've seen some people get really bent out of shape about it, and that I can't really spend time trying to grasp. If you're really that upset about it, you're going to see me get punched in the face, so it's a win-win for you too.

    To that end, should everyone – yourself included – reserve judgment until you step inside the Octagon?
    For sure. I'm not gonna sit here and make bold predictions about first-round head kicks and beating ranked opponents. This is about me and my journey to get there. I understand other peoples' point of view about, "Oh, there's great fighters out there like Ben Askren." My only point on that is, "Don't be mad at me, Ben. Be mad at [UFC President] Dana [White]." I'm sure Ben Askren's a nice guy. If he's mad at me, I understand. But if the Blackhawks came to me before Dana and Lorenzo did and were like, "We're gonna put you in goal," I'd be like, "That's great. I played a little hockey when I was a kid." You know what I mean? I'm not gonna deny myself some opportunity because somebody on Twitter thinks I shouldn't have it.

    What convinced you UFC would be more positive for you than the WWE?
    I'm not sure I did know. If I can maybe throw out an example of how things are different – the lack of communication from the WWE office was astounding. They said they suspended me and never contacted me. They were in my town, about an eight-minute drive from my house multiple times, and didn't feel like it was necessary to come try and talk to me, so I assumed that they didn't want to talk to me.

    Then, you've got Dana and [UFC CEO] Lorenzo Fertitta wanting to talk to me, and they get on a jet and fly to Chicago to talk to me. So that pretty much told me exactly how Dana and Lorenzo do business. I'm sure there are other people out there who have different situations with them, but they're playing straight with me. And being backstage [at last Saturday's UFC 181] and introducing everybody to my wife, it was such a great experience. And I'm sure part of that is the name value and who I am, but everyone seemed to be happy, which is different and odd for me.

    And just to clarify, your settlement with WWE absolved you of your no-compete clause with UFC?
    Yes. Otherwise I'd be waiting till the summer.

    Once you do step inside the Octagon in 2015, will there be any fear about getting hurt?
    No. I've been getting beat up for most of my adult life. Pro wrestling is a lot different than MMA. Most recently, I had a conversation with King Mo, and he's been training to be a pro wrestler, and he was like, "Pro wrestling is harder." Now, that doesn't make my decision to do MMA like, "Oh, this is easy," because I know it's not. I just know I've put in work in pro wrestling, and the work ethic you learn from doing that will translate for me. It will put me in a good position.

    Is there actually a higher risk of injury amid the choreographed violence of wrestling than in the specialized fighting of MMA?
    I definitely think pro wrestling's more risky. The pro wrestler's mentality, and it's ingrained in them from the start, is you have to work hurt. And I know guys in MMA are banged up and will "work hurt," but if you tear your knee up, you're gonna get surgery. Pro wrestlers will not, because they're afraid about losing their jobs. They will work through torn ligaments and everything, and I've done it and it's not smart, and it's not the healthiest work environment.
    continued next post
    Gene Ching
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  3. #3
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    wait....what?

    If this is real, this just got interesting. My Lucha comment above was freakin prophesy!

    CM Punk Accepts the Green Ranger’s UFC Challenge!



    Jason David Frank, colloquially known as the Green Ranger Tommy Oliver from the television show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, offered a challenge earlier this week to new UFC fighter Phillip Jack Brooks, better known as CM Punk.

    CM Punk recently announced he’d be trading in his WWE tights for 6 ounce gloves and a octagon shaped cage.

    When speaking with commentator Joe Rogan earlier in the week Punk confirmed reports that he had signed a lucrative contract to fight in the UFC.

    “I’d say my professional wrestling days are over. I’m sure I’m going to have to do plenty of wrestling [in the cage],” said Punk.

    Since the announcement, multiple UFC fighters, including the Green Ranger, have posted challenges to go toe-to-toe in a cage match. Fortunately for the Green Ranger, CM Punk decided to accept his offer, albeit only because Punks thinks Green Ranger won’t morph into anything representing a real challenge before their match next summer.

    Sources close to both fighters say they’ve been in cahoots since the Wizard World comic-con in promoting a future fight to take Screen Shot 2014-12-08 at 9.54.33 PMplace in 2015. Both have used Twitter and other social media to sell the match but could announce the fight officially as soon as next week.

    Frank and Punk, aged 41 and 36 respectively, don’t exactly bring new, youthful blood to the ring. But they certainly bring the notoriety to fill seats and create television revenue, which is what the UFC wants more than anything.
    I've lost track of the Green Ranger - this thread needs an update: Green-Power-Ranger-to-fight-MMA
    Gene Ching
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    Oh you know my philosophy there, KB...

    ...Ban them all and let Buddha sort them out.

    Although I'm sorely tempted to jump in and do some piledriving. I'd have to don my luchador mask tho...

    CM Punk: ‘Professional Wrestling Is More Risky Than Mixed Martial Arts In Terms Of Injury’ [VIDEO]
    By Vincent Paul Hidalgo | December 11, 2014 9:36 PM EST

    Phil Brooks, more popularly known as CM Punk in wrestling circles, spoke at length about his recent decision to take up mixed martial arts wrestling by committing to a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) talent discussed with Rolling Stones his plans to improve his skills, his wife's AJ Lee's reaction to his transfer and the differences between professional wrestling and the rigors of the Octagon.

    "I definitely think pro wrestling's more risky. The pro wrestler's mentality, and it's ingrained in them from the start, is you have to work hurt. And I know guys in MMA are banged up and will "work hurt," but if you tear your knee up, you're gonna get surgery. Pro wrestlers will not, because they're afraid about losing their jobs," Punk told Kenny Herzog of Rolling Stone during the magazine's trip to Chicago, the wrestler's hometown.

    The wrestler turned MMA artist also shared that it was the personal handling of UFC President Dana White and Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Fertitta who flew all the way to Chicago to entice him to join the outfit. That was all the sign he needed from the UFC to commit fulltime. The next step came was when he came to tell his wife, Lee, of the opportunity. Punk revealed that he and his wife are both stubborn persons and that he expected to be shot down, but the Divas talent was supportive of the idea as she saw how it was his dream to be in the Octagon.

    The 36-year-old aspirant was also realistic of his chances but is confident that he can match up with the demands of the UFC. He believes he still has a lot of ground to catch up with but will surprise some people of his striking ability and ground game. He is currently training with legendary Brazilian mentor Rener Gracie who is polishing up his jiu-jitsu techniques but is non-committal on the exact venue on where he will train given the influx of training grounds offering their stables, understandably due to exposure that the WWE former heavyweight champion will bring along.

    Watch the interview of Punk during UFC 181 below:
    Pro wrestling is more risky but more so because of the way it is regulated. It is classified as entertainment, not as a sport, and thus falls under entirely different insurance precautions that aren't as protective of the athletes as the 'entertainers'. Cheerleading as a similar issue, which is why it made a bid to become a sport a few years back.
    Gene Ching
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    More on Punk

    There's a vid (which I didn't watch) if you follow the link.
    CM Punk on taking real punches: I'll be OK
    December, 26, 2014 8:29 AM ET
    Okamoto By Brett Okamoto
    ESPN.com

    Fair or not, one thing many will remember about Brock Lesnar's time in mixed martial arts is that he didn't like to get hit.

    The professional wrestling star-turned-UFC champion did not react well to getting punched in the face. That's an appropriate way to say it. He did remarkably well anyway, winning the UFC's heavyweight title in his fourth professional fight, but the memory of that blinking, panicked look Lesnar couldn't hide in the Octagon after taking a shot remains strong.

    As CM Punk, birth name Phil Brooks, prepares to make his UFC (and MMA) debut in 2015, comparisons to Lesnar are inevitably rampant. Another WWE star looking to prove himself in MMA -- inside the UFC, no less.

    There are a million questions surrounding the 36-year-old Brooks. He's trained karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu but has no tangible competitive background in either discipline and no amateur MMA experience. He doesn't know when or whom he's going to fight, nor does he even know where he'll prepare to do it.

    How about the most basic question, though: Can he take a punch?

    "I suppose the easy answer to what Brock's shortcomings were that he probably needed to spar more," Brooks told ESPN.com. "Everyone always likes to say Brock hated getting hit in the face. I don't know who likes getting hit in the face, but I guess he did need to work on his stand-up defense.

    "You get punched in the nose, your eyes water. When it happens, will I turn around and run? No, that's not going to happen. I'm going to do my best to avoid that punch, but if it lands, I'll be OK."

    Brooks has ran his body through the meat grinder that is professional wrestling. Whether he's willing to take physical punishment isn't the question.

    But in an MMA contest, it's not necessarily about whether one can take a punch -- it's more about how one reacts to it.

    Brooks says he knows that's a question many will wonder until he gets into a cage for real, but says he's already confident in the answer.

    "I definitely think it is a gut-check moment for anyone," Brooks said. "When you get smashed in the face for the first time, whether it's in the schoolyard or a sanctioned boxing match, I think you find something out about yourself. Some people run. Some people will stand there. Some people will say, 'That wasn't bad,' while others will say, 'That was awful,' but they'll still stand in the pocket.

    "I think it's about finding out what's inside of you. I've already had it in the schoolyard, in the gym, in the ring. It's happened a lot."

    Brooks has, for lack of a better term, "punched in the face" experience -- whether he has professional athletic experience is a question he doesn't know the answer to.

    During his long stint in the staged wrestling game, Brooks says there were times he felt as though what he was doing was a professional sport. Other times, not so much.

    "That's a fascinating question," Brooks said. "I think it varies. Some days, I felt like, 'Yeah, what we do makes us athletes.' And then there were situations when I'd feel pretty silly about what I was doing -- if you've got to dress up like Santa or you're getting beat up by Santa. You're watching part of the show, thinking it's a little suspect.' Overall, pro wrestling is no joke, though. Everybody in it is an athlete to some degree.

    "You'll find comparisons [to the physical needs] between the two. Cardiovascular speaking, that was my shtick. I was never going to be the biggest or most chiseled, but nobody was ever going to make me tired in the ring. Endurance is something I definitely have. There are a lot of similarities in that aspect. It's go, go, go. I think there is a friendly competition between the wrestlers to see who the best is. Who can blow the other one up cardiovascularly. That was always kind of fun."
    Gene Ching
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  6. #6
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    Wwe = mma

    CM Punk Claims That Mixed Martial Arts Is The Same As Pro Wrestling
    Mikey Traynor
    February 16, 2015

    Former WWE Superstar turned mixed martial artist CM Punk has been a divisive figure since Dana White announced that he had signed with the UFC. While some folks don’t really care about his inexperience and think the publicity he can bring will be good for the sport, others see his presence as a money-making gimmick, and diluting the talent in the world’s premier MMA organisation.



    Well now Punk has said something that will no doubt rub some people the wrong way, as he has not only compared the world of MMA to that of professional wrestling, but claimed that they are the same.

    I think MMA is pro wrestling. If you go back to the early 1900’s and the whole genesis of professional wrestling, and then you go back to the early beginnings of MMA, it was all pro wrestlers. The characters, the action, the media, the mouths. There’s a reason people are interested in this, whether it’s good or it’s bad, whether they love me or they hate me. I’ve talked to [Brock Lesnar] and he’s offered all his help, even if it’s just bug him with a stupid question. It’s cool to know he supports me. He’s a good guy to know.

    What do you reckon? Is Conor McGregor essentially ‘The Macho Man’ Randy Savage?

    And is Brock Lesnar the best person to ask for advice on the UFC?


    We’re not so sure.
    But what about Lucha Libre? Now that thar's figthin'!!!
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    Punk's 1st amateur bout

    It will be very amusing to me if Punk does well in MMA.

    Mixed Martial Arts Blog
    Roufus recaps CM Punk's 'scrimmage'
    March, 5, 2015 10:55 AM ET By Brett Okamoto
    ESPN.com

    It will never show up on his official record, but CM Punk essentially had his first amateur mixed martial arts bout this week.

    Punk, birth name Phil Brooks, fought Craig Eckelberg in a "scrimmage" on Monday, at Roufusport academy in Milwaukee. The former WWE star, who signed with the UFC in December despite no MMA experience, has been training in Wisconsin with Duke Roufus the last eight weeks.

    A crowd of about 100 people saw the fight according to Roufus, who wanted to create an atmosphere as close to a real fight as possible. Brooks and Eckelberg (4-0), a former NCAA Division-III wrestler, fought three three-minute rounds. Roufus served as the referee.

    "What we have is a controlled environment to simulate an amateur career for Punk," Roufus told ESPN.com. "We'll probably do another 'amateur' match in four-to-six weeks.

    "We created a crowd scenario. All our students got a chance to watch him and were cheering him on. [UFC lightweight champion] Anthony Pettis was in Punk's corner. There was a lot of hooting and hollering. We tried to make a little Thunderdome the best we could.

    Of course, obvious question: How did the 36-year-old Brooks look against a legitimate opponent?

    "He did pretty good against a guy who is 4-0," Roufus said. "Did he win the match if we had scored it? No, he did not -- but that's cool with him. He likes the struggle. There are certain people who enjoy going into the fire and becoming a phoenix. Most people like to avoid that fire."

    Brooks has stated he expects grappling to be his area of strength. He's trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rener Gracie for several years.

    Roufus, however, said Brooks showed natural ability on his feet on Monday -- mostly that he appeared comfortable, which is not always the case with a beginner.

    "I was surprised with his natural aggression in striking," Roufus said. "That's an unknown thing about striking; it's that sometimes you can teach someone all the tools of the trade, but if they don't have a trigger finger and the ability to throw under fire, it just doesn't matter. I was looking for instincts and he didn't cave under pressure.

    "I was happy with his fitness level. He didn't gas out and he didn't panic. I've seen people in there with more training than him who panicked and freaked out."

    That said, Roufus did not have an expected timetable for when Brooks might be ready to make his UFC debut.

    The promotion has stated the same and said it's up to Brooks to let them know. The expectation is Brooks (0-0) will fight at middleweight.

    UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta has told ESPN.com Brooks' future opponent is unknown but will be "competitive."

    "You know what? I'm going to be honest and say, I'm not sure," said Roufus, when asked when Brooks would step in the Octagon. "My biggest thing is, I love our sport. I love combat sports. I don't want to make a mockery of this sport. Not saying that [Brooks] is, but I want to use time to our advantage.

    "If it takes one year, six months or two years, whenever Punk gets in there, it's going to be at a high quality. Pay-per-view worthy.

    "The one cool thing about Punk is he's not calling anyone out. He's just trying to do something special in his life. Am I promising he's going to be a contender or a champion? No, but there are a lot of different fighters in the UFC that represent different things to the organization. Guys like he and (WWE star and former UFC heavyweight champion) Brock Lesnar bring a lot of new fans to this sport."
    I do like Pettis
    Gene Ching
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  8. #8
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    Master of Kung Fu Legacy

    SHANG-CHI "MASTER of KUNG FU" by CM Punk



    EXCLUSIVE: MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM BEHIND THE NEW MASTER OF KUNG FU MARVEL LEGACY TITLE
    Contributed by Mike Avila
    @MikeAvila
    a day ago

    The most skilled martial artist in the Marvel Universe, Shang Chi, is back headlining his own comic.

    SYFY WIRE is happy to give you the FIRST LOOK at the cover to the brand new Master of Kung Fu one-shot, drawn by all-star artist Mike Mayhew.



    You'll notice the issue number is #126. The original Bronze Age MOKF series ended its run with issue #125, and since the Marvel Legacy initiative is all about connecting the publisher's past with its present and future, the numbering will fall in line with the earlier series. The one-shot hits comics shops in November.

    That's not the only news we have to break here regarding Legacy. We can also reveal the creative team behind Shang-Chi's star turn. WWE legend CM Punk will be scripting the book, alongside artist Dalibor Talajic. The former wrestling champ, whose real name is Phillip Jack Brooks, is no stranger to comics. He wrote the Drax ongoing series for Marvel, which lasted for 11 issues. The Croatian-born Talajic has penciled all manner of Marvel books, including the Secret Wars: Master of Kung Fu ancillary series. He's particularly jazzed to tackle Shang-Chi on an ongoing basis. Talajic is hard at work right now on the book, but he was kind enought to let us hit him up for three quick questions.

    MOKF is an iconic title for Bronze Age Marvel fans. Were you both familiar with Shang-Chi and his earlier series before you got the gig? How did you get the assignment, exactly?

    Dalibor Talajic: I grew up on Shang Chi! I am a huge fan of Bruce Lee, so naturally I adore Shang Chi as well. I love both Gulacy and Zeck stuff. Gulacy treated Shang Cji like a noir book, while Zeck made it very impressive in fight scenes. I had my dream come true some two years ago when I did the Master of Kung Fu mini with Haden Blackman. The editor on this project, Kathleen Wisnecky, knows me from that time, so I hope she was pleased with what we did back then and she called me back.



    Is he going to be wearing the classic red jumpsuit?

    I don't know yet, depends on the story I guess. But intimately, I hope he wears his classic kimono suit. A bit modified -- the '70s are gone -- but yeah ... I'd go for kimono anytime. But we'll see ...

    Can we expect some crazy fight scenes depicted in your artwork? Safe to assume this will be an action-packed comic?

    Well ... I myself was a kung fu practitioner. So if there are going to be fight scenes, you can expect them to be quite grounded in something that's persuasive, not just random kicks. If you browse through the books I did so far, I always try to make my action scenes fluid and forceful. Over the top sometimes, yes, but fluid. And since it's Shang Chi we're talking about ... He IS the greatest fighter there is -- so yes, you can expect some seriously spectacular stuff.

    **Editor's Note: This story has been clarified to note that MOKF is a One-Shot comic, not an ongoing series**

    Here is the full solicit for Master of Kung Fu #126:

    The Marvel Universe is full of fighters: brawlers, scrappers, weapons experts, mystical kung fu virtuosi. But there’s only one martial artist skilled enough to be called the greatest. SHANG-CHI has been a pinch hitter for a long time, stepping in for Avengers missions when no one else would do, but when no one can match your speed or skill, sometimes it’s best to work alone. To see what you’ve been missing if you don’t know Shang-Chi, don’t miss MASTER OF KUNG FU!
    Gene Ching
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  9. #9
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    Punk absolved

    CM Punk absolved in defamation lawsuit days before UFC 225
    3:01 PM PT
    Brett Okamoto
    ESPN Staff Writer

    Former WWE star and current UFC welterweight CM Punk was absolved in a civil lawsuit in Chicago court on Tuesday, just four days before he's scheduled to fight at UFC 225.

    Punk, whose birth name is Phil Brooks, and pro wrestler Colt Cabana, birth name Scott Colton, were both absolved in the case, which was filed by WWE physician Dr. Chris Amann in 2015.

    The lawsuit accused Punk and Colton, also a former WWE performer, of defaming Amann during an episode of Colton's "The Art of Wrestling" podcast, during which Punk complained about the lack of medical care he received while employed by the WWE. Punk left the WWE in 2014.

    After a 2˝-hour deliberation, a jury inside the Cook County Courthouse in downtown Chicago ruled in favor of Punk and Cabana, on charges of defamation and invasion of privacy. Amann had been seeking damages in excess of $1 million.

    Punk, 39, is scheduled to face Mike Jackson (0-1) at UFC 225 on Saturday at the United Center. The pay-per-view event is Punk's second pro MMA fight, and first since 2016. It is taking place in his hometown of Chicago.

    As the verdict was read, Punk broke into tears and was embraced by his wife, former WWE star A.J. Lee. Punk is in the process of cutting weight for his MMA fight; he must weigh no more than 171 pounds on Friday.
    He fights Mike Jackson this Saturday in Chicago.

    UFC 225 SAT. JUN. 9, 2018 WHITTAKER VS ROMERO 2
    10PM/7PM ETPT Chicago, IL

    CM Punk VS Mike Jackson "The Truth"
    USA COUNTRY USA
    0-1-0 RECORD 0-1-0
    0% KO/TKO 0%
    0% SUB 0%
    0% DEC 0%
    73 in HEIGHT 74 in
    170 lbs WEIGHT 170 lbs
    73 in REACH 0 in
    41 in LEG REACH 0 in
    SIGNIFICANT STRIKES
    000 LANDED PER MINUTE 4
    000% ACCURACY 50%
    8.96 ABSORBED P/M 2.67
    37.5% DEFENSE 50%
    GRAPPLING
    000 TAKEDOWN AVERAGE 000
    000% TAKEDOWN ACCURACY 000%
    000% TAKEDOWNS DEFENDED 000%
    000 SUBMISSION AVERAGE 000
    Gene Ching
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  10. #10
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    It probably should be a wrap

    CM Punk Says 'The Door Is Open' for Potential Return to MMA After UFC Run
    ROB GOLDBERG
    SEPTEMBER 10, 2018


    Dylan Buell/Getty Images

    CM Punk has lost both of his UFC matches to date, but he is apparently not completely ruling out a return to mixed martial arts.

    "The door is open," he said of a possible return Monday on Ariel Helwani's MMA Show (via Chamatkar Sandhu of ESPN). "I'm taking opportunities as they come. If there's a deadline it's coming up at the end of the year."

    Punk most recently lost to Mike Jackson by unanimous decision at UFC 225 in June.

    He suffered a Round 1 loss by submission against Mickey Gall in his only other professional fight nearly two years earlier.

    While the former WWE star appears wiling to give his career another chance, UFC president Dana White wasn't too keen to schedule another bout following his loss in June.

    "It probably should be a wrap," White said of Punk's MMA career, per Brett Okamoto of ESPN. "The guy is 39 years old. I love the guy. He's the nicest guy in the world. We gave him two shots, and he had a lot of heart tonight in this fight. And I think he should call it a wrap."

    He is at least keeping himself busy in case he never earns another MMA match.

    In a recent interview with Jeffrey Harris of 411Mania, Punk noted he is currently filming a horror movie as well as hosting the Netflix series Ultimate Beastmaster.
    There are other leagues. I hope he stays with it.
    Gene Ching
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  11. #11
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    A flattering Forbes piece

    I recant my comment above. In all honesty, I don't really know CM Punk beyond what I read in the newsfeeds. Perhaps parlaying his celebrity into other media is the way to go. Forbes called that right with Ronda.

    Sep 11, 2018, 02:10pm
    CM Punk Doesn't Have Much Of A Future In MMA As A Fighter, But Someone Should Hire Him As An Analyst
    Brian Mazique

    CM Punk isn't a high-level mixed-martial artist, at least not if you're comparing his skill and athleticism to guys and girls we traditionally see in the UFC and other top promotions. If we're being totally honest, his days in the Octagon should be done.


    CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 06: CM Punk interacts with fans during the UFC 225 Open Workouts at the Chicago Theatre on June 6, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

    Punk knows that, and he admitted it in a conversation with ESPN's Ariel Helwani on Tuesday. "It doesn't make a whole lot of sense for me to fight in the UFC again," Punk said as Helwani asked him about the prospects of an MMA return.



    After two lopsided losses to Mickey Gall and Mike Jackson, Punk says he isn't completely closing the door on a return to MMA. For the sake of his health, I hope he doesn't fight again, but I'm not tired of hearing him talk.

    Punk's interview with Helwani was insightful, smart and most importantly, honest. It got me thinking, why wouldn't he try his hand at commentating in an analyst role? He's already doing something of the sort for the Ultimate Beastmaster project on Netflix. He might not be Joe Rogan just yet, but Punk does have an advanced knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, even if he doesn't possess the natural athleticism to execute what he's studied against elite-level fighters.

    He's also a very intelligent guy who by all accounts, works his tail off to prepare himself for the task at hand. There is no question in my mind that if Punk was given the time to prepare for an event, he would do an outstanding job providing color commentary. His gift of gab is unquestionable and he has an undeniable presence–even if he's speaking to people who don't approve of him.

    Obviously, our first exposure to Punk's mic skills came in the world of professional wrestling. He was one of the premier talkers in that space, and while that was simply a persona, the experience seems to have created a level of confidence and comfortability in front of a microphone that has translated to all of his organized public appearances.

    Punk has also positioned himself as a polarizing figure in the MMA world. His presence at an announcer's table would bring some eyes. Imagine him as a second analyst or voice alongside Brendan Fitzgerald and Paul Felder for the Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series.

    That might just create a spike in viewership for the already popular program.

    Just as many questioned his qualifications for fighting in the Octagon, Punk would have his critics were he to get an opportunity to provide color commentary. The only difference is he's much better at mental preparation and verbal communication than he is at fighting.

    I write about sports and video games. I began my career with Bleacher Report in 2010 and I'm now a Forbes Contributor as well as a YouTuber. I've been blessed to make a living discussing things I'd talk about for free.
    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
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  12. #12
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    at peace

    CM Punk reflects on his UFC run: 'I feel completely at peace'


    Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

    By: Nick Schwartz | July 25, 2019 11:14 am

    Ex-WWE star CM Punk’s venture into mixed martial arts generated tremendous interest and scrutiny, but after two resounding losses in the octagon, it seems highly unlikely that the 40-year-old will return to the UFC for another bout. Punk made his debut at UFC 203, where he was overmatched and quickly demolished by Mickey Gall, and suffered a unanimous decision loss at UFC 225 against Mike Jackson.

    In an interview with ESPN, Punk admitted that he “did things completely backwards” in the UFC, but said he has no regrets about the way things turned out.

    Via ESPN:

    “What’s done is done. I did things completely backwards, and I’m 100 percent fine with that. I’m not going to say, ‘I wish I would have done this, and I wish I would have started as an amateur, and I wish I would have fought in a cornfield somewhere in southern Illinois.’ Like I said before, I’m a different animal when it comes to this world. I think obviously it’s afforded me opportunities, and I just say yes to things.

    I feel completely at peace. I love the experience. Losing stinks, but I’m not dead. I woke up the next day to my beautiful wife, my awesome dog. The sun came out. So I’m like cool, I woke up today. It’s not the end of the world.”
    Punk also said that while he still believes he’s a part of the UFC roster, he’s been waiting to receive the news that he’s been cut.

    “I think I’m just kind of floating right now. But have I been offered anything? No, I haven’t. Every time somebody calls me, though, I’m like, ‘Oh, this is it, I’m cut.’ I think I’ve come to terms with it. I’d be like, ‘All right.'”
    Punk is scheduled to appear at Starrcast, a wrestling fan convention in his hometown of Chicago in August, and fans have endlessly speculated that he could potentially be headed to AEW, an upstart rival to WWE. According to Punk, fans shouldn’t be expecting anything.



    CM Puck🏒

    @CMPunk
    Yes. https://twitter.com/oscaro8541/statu...10991512825856

    Oscar H Olivares
    @oscaro8541
    @CMPunk are you gonna disappoint your fans by not show up at aew?
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    I respect anyone with the courage to step in the cage. As for Punk, he's been amusing enough to warrant his own indie thread here, so it's all good.
    Gene Ching
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  13. #13
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    Punk as Ash?

    We don't have an Evil Dead thread. We don't even have a Shaolin vs. Evil Dead thread.


    Bruce Campell Endorses CM Punk Playing Ash in a New Evil Dead

    By SPENCER PERRY - March 3, 2020 10:27 pm EST

    A groundswell of support for wrestler/MMA fighter CM Punk to succeed Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams in the Evil Dead franchsie picked up steam earlier today, and now the groovy original actor has sounded off on the fan casting! Campbell officially retired from the franchise following three seasons of Ash Vs. Evil Dead which has fans eager to see a new version of the character, and with CM Punk making waves in horror cinema by starring in Girl on the Third Floor and the upcoming reboot of Rabid he's a fair candidate. Though it seems like Campbell agrees with the notion...there's nothing quite like the original as Campbell is eager to point out.

    "You know what? CM Punk is great!" Campbell said. "He should play a guy in a horror series named Nash, or Bash, or Lash. With all due respect, the name Ash is, like the best table at a restaurant, reserved."

    The Evil Dead franchise was first started by director Sam Raimi, actor Bruce Campbell, and several others that were looking to create an amazing horror movie on a shoe string budget. With the success of the original, the series warranted sequels in the form of Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness, even getting a television series on Starz in Ash Vs. Evil Dead. A remake to the franchise that was sans-Ash and instead focused on a new group of characters running into the Book of the Dead was released back in 2013, but there may be a new adventure on the horizon.

    Bruce Campbell

    @GroovyBruce
    You know what? CM Punk is great! He should play a guy in a horror series named Nash, or Bash, or Lash. With all due respect, the name Ash is, like the best table at a restaurant, reserved. https://twitter.com/dreadcentral/sta...46932939907074

    Dread Central

    @DreadCentral
    EVIL DEAD: WWE Fans Want CM Punk To Replace Bruce Campbell As New Ash - https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/32...ll-as-new-ash/


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    “We’re producing more Evil Dead movies. Maybe one later this year," Campbell revealed at Fan Expo Vancouver earlier this year. "Sam Raimi’s handpicked the next guy to make another creepy Evil Dead film. It just won’t have Ash. There are more stories to tell.”

    Details on which filmmaker will step behind the camera for the next movie in the franchise have not been revealed, but it certainly seems like a name has already been written in blood in the book of the dead. As for Raimi himself, he'll be jumping feet first into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, stepping behind the camera to direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of madness.
    Gene Ching
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  14. #14
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    Shoulda tapped...

    JUST GIVE UP! Pat Sabatini has arm broken in MMA title fight and CM Punk has to tell crowd to stop booing winner James Gonzalez
    GRAPHIC WARNING
    By Alex McCarthy
    3rd February 2020, 3:05 pm
    MMA star Pat Sabatini may have earned a lot of respect at the weekend, but he lost his Cage Fury Fighting Championship featherweight title and had his arm broken.

    Sabatini suffered a gruesome broken arm as he refused to tap out against James Gonzalez just 46 seconds into the first round of their contest.


    UFC FIGHT PASS
    Pat Sabatini had his arm broken by James Gonzalez in a title fight

    The bout, for which former WWE superstar and UFC fighter CM Punk was ring announcing, was only made six days ago as Gonzalez stepped in.

    Sabatini was locked in an armbar, but he refused to tap. It took Gonzalez releasing the hold and alerting the referee to the injury to stop the fight.

    Obviously, that is the highest level of toughness one can imagine, but it didn’t stop Gonzalez walking out as the champion and the crowd roundly booing him.

    In fact, Punk stepped in and asked the crowd to stop booing the new champion.

    Speaking after the encounter, Gonzalez said: “First I would like say, I wish that didn’t happen. I wish he could have tapped and saved his arm from breaking like that.


    UFC FIGHT PASS
    You can see Pat Sabatini’s arm bending in ways that it shouldn’t

    UFC FIGHT PASS

    @UFCFightPass
    Yikes. #CFFC81

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    “I respect Pat Sabatini, he’s been on the circuit with me since I started and I always thought I was going to fight him sooner but we fought tonight and this is what happened.

    “I wish him a speedy recovery and that’s all I got to say about that. I’ve been trying to get fights as much as possible.

    “It’s really hard to find guys who want to fight me, in either weight class, and I guess you guys saw why.”
    THREADS
    Standing arm breaks... Slightly OT because it's the victim that's standing.
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  15. #15
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    Broken off

    Former Olympic wrestler Khetag Pliev loses finger during MMA fight
    Middleweight’s left ring finger was torn off mid-fight
    Pliev, 37, represented Canada at the 2012 Olympics
    Injury occurred during co-main event of CFFC 94

    Khetag Pliev placed 10th in the 96kg weight class at the London Olympics. Photograph: Steve Russell/Toronto Star/Getty Images
    Guardian sport
    Thu 1 Apr 2021 23.53 EDT

    Khetag Pliev, the former Olympic freestyle wrestler turned professional MMA fighter, lost a finger during a Cage Fury Fighting Championships fight on Thursday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

    Pliev, a four-time national wrestling champion known as ‘The Terminator’ who represented Canada at the 2012 London Olympics, suffered the gruesome injury during the first or second round of a middleweight bout with Devin Goodale in the co-main event of CFFC 94, which was broadcast live on the UFC’s Fight Pass streaming service.

    Goodale was declared the winner by second-round technical knockout after referee David Osaghae discovered between rounds that Pliev’s left ring finger was no longer attached to his hand.

    The official method of victory according to Sherdog.com was ‘Detached Finger’.

    “They just made a PA announcement at #CFFC94 that they are trying to locate a fighter’s missing finger,” TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter tweeted. “It evidently fell off into his glove during the bout and is missing somewhere in the venue.”



    Goodale failed to add any clarity to the bizarre situation during a post-fight interview.

    “I can’t remember anything, I don’t know,” said Goodale, who improved to a perfect four wins from four as a professional. “I got hit by something big, I don’t remember what happened. I’m just being honest. I don’t remember what happened. I’ll have to watch the tape myself, I don’t remember anything.”

    CM Punk, the former WWE star and UFC welterweight who was working as a color commentator for Thursday’s broadcast, was equally mystified in the immediate aftermath.

    “I don’t understand exactly what happened,” Punk said. “We’re not going to replay it for you, ladies and gentlemen, but it wasn’t a compound fracture. It wasn’t a dislocation, a break, a laceration. His finger was just gone. It’s gone. It fell off, ripped off.”

    Later Thursday, ESPN confirmed Pliev’s finger was recovered and re-attached by surgeons at a nearby hospital. CFFC president Rob Haydak said the detached digit had been lodged in Pliev’s glove.

    The 37-year-old Pliev, who placed 10th in the 96kg weight class at the London Games, fell to 5-2 in mixed martial arts after Thursday’s bout, which was contracted at a catchweight of 180lbs, five pounds below the middleweight division limit.

    He also fought six times as a professional boxer in the cruiserweight division from 2017 through 2019, compiling a record of five wins and one loss.
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