White announces CM Punk’s UFC debut opponent

CM Punk. AFP FILE PHOTO

CM Punk’s debut opponent is finally known.

UFC President Dana White told Off the Record it would be MMA upstart Mickey Gall who would be the former WWE champion’s first opponent in the octagon but the 23-year-old fighter would still have to hurdle one more match before he gets his hands on Philip Jack Brooks, Punk’s real name.

Gall first has to defeat prospect Michael Jackson before matching up against Punk.

“They’re going to fight on the prelims, on Feb. 6th on Fight Pass, and if he wins that fight, Mickey Gall will fight CM Punk,” White told Off the Record, as per MMA Fighting. “And CM Punk will be there at the fight to watch.”

According to MMA Fighting, Gall (1-0) challenged Punk after he won in his MMA debut against Ron Templeton via first round submission at Dead Serious MMA 17.

READ: UFC signs pro wrestler CM Punk

White, who was in the event, told the cameras he was “interested” in Gall’s motion.

Gall told MMA Fighting he doesn’t have a problem facing off against the 37-year-old Punk and he is primed to spoil the former professional wrestler’s debut in the UFC.

“Honestly, man, I think that guy’s used to going into a ring and whispering to his guy, ‘Hey, let’s do a clothesline. Hey, let’s practice jumping off the ropes and this and that,” Gall said. “I think when he gets in there and he has me coming at him looking to kill him, I don’t think he’ll be able to handle it. He’s a professional wrestler, and he’s great at that. He’s made himself a millionaire doing that. But now he’s stepping into a different world, and I think he’d be in a lot of trouble.”

White said a win for Gall would be a “life-changer” for the upstart.

“[Gall] is holding a lottery ticket with really good odds of winning the lottery right now,” White said. “Like you said, he’s got to get through this fight, and yeah, it’s going to be a life-changer for this kid.” IDL