CM Punk: 5 Things To Know About The Former WWE Fighter Who Just Joined The UFC

   

CM Punk has returned to fighting, but on a new stage! The former WWE star will now be fighting in the octagon as a UFC fighter, making his debut on Sept. 10. Not familiar with CM? Get to know more about him right here!

The UFC will be adding a new, but familiar face this fall: CM Punk! Nearly two years after the 37-year-old fighting veteran retired from the WWE, CM (whose real name is Phil Brooks) announced that he’ll be making his UFC debut in September.


1. He recently underwent surgery.
CM’s health was one of the main reasons he retired from the WWE at just 35 years old, as he revealed in his post-retirement days that he suffered from an MRSA infection, broken ribs, multiple concussions, and injured knees. In February 2016, he announced that he had a herniated disc in his back and had to undergo surgery. But he wasted no time in getting right back into fighting — he began training as soon as he was healed!

2. He’s actually been in the UFC for 18 months.
Although CM is making his UFC debut in September, he has been part of the organization since December 2014. He sparked controversy by joining the company, as he didn’t have any professional fighting experience. It will definitely be interesting to see how he does!
3. He’s also a comic writer!
Even when he was still fighting, CM turned his love of comic books into a side job, serving as a writer for Marvel comics. He wrote the introduction to the 2012 crossover event Avengers vs. X-Men, also contributing to Thor Annual #1 in 2015 as well as a few other comics.
4. His first UFC opponent handpicked him.
CM will be facing Mickey Gall in Cleveland on Sept. 10, and this specific matchup is happening because of Mickey. Although Mickey has only been in the UFC officially since February, he was quick to declare after winning his first fight against Mike Jackson that he wanted to battle CM!
5. He’ll be making his UFC debut where he made his WWE exit.
That’s right — CM’s first UFC bout will be at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena, which is where he infamously stormed out of the WWE. Talk about sticking it to his former organization!