Former WWE star CM Punk made his big MMA debut within the UFC. The fighter faced some serious backlash from many hardcore MMA fans, as well as professional fighters. The former professional wrestler then went on to suffer a lopsided first round defeat to Mickey Gall.
Speaking to media after the announcement of CM Punk’s first UFC match up, UFC superstar Nate Diaz offered some now famous words on the UFC’s decision to sign the former WWE star.
“I don’t dig it. He has got no fights. I know he’s a big draw. I looked him up. Everyone’s going to buy tickets. It’s going to be great for the venue and the UFC, but at the same time, it downgrades all the fighters.”
“He might do great, but why does he get a chance? He’s an amateur. You’re going to put an amateur in there with pros? That makes us all amateurs, so I think it’s ridiculous. As far as I’m concerned, f–k him, f–k the whole situation.”
“If I want to, I can’t go play in the NBA – not even Stefan Struve’s big ass. …I’m over here busting my ass, fighting for 10 years and doing my thing and having a serious job that I have to do for this. And this guy is going to come over and probably get paid more than everyone in the room.”
