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Welcome to the UFC @CMPunk! See you in 2015! https://t.co/X07ezdbmZl
— #UFC181 (@ufc) December 7, 2014Seconds ago during the UFC 181 PPV broadcast, former WWE champion CM Punk was interviewed by Joe Rogan and announced he has signed a multi-fight contract with UFC. He will officially debut in the Octagon in 2015. He was billed on the PPV as Phil "CM Punk" Brooks.
This would make Punk the second former WWE champion, after Brock Lesnar, to enter the UFC's ranks. This also gives UFC one hell of an interview and personality to use to promote their brand and events.
Punk said he would likely fight as a middleweight or welterweight and commented, "This is my new career. 100%." He noted that he feels he has a short window to do this and he's either going to kick ass or get his ass kicked.
Just yesterday, Dana White said he was looking forward to speaking to Punk and that if Punk was signed, he would start at the bottom as a 0-0 ranked fighter.
Obviously, there was already a deal in the works. We are told the two have been talking for some time. I wouldn't be shocked to find out the two had agreed on something but were waiting for Punk to be free and clear legally from WWE, which he was as of 10/26.
During the PPV, Punk noted he will be figuring out a training camp soon and has made several inquiries already. He has been training under the Gracies for some time.
Punk will be appearing on the PPV's FOX Sports 1 post-game broadcast for an interview to discuss his signing.
During his recent appearances on Colt Cabana's podcast, Punk ripped on WWE for listing UFC as something he could not do for breaching his contract, noting that WWE claims it's not competition to their product. Punk later settled that issue and escaped that breach claim with WWE.
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