CM Punk has no regrets about seizing an opportunity to fight in the UFC.
The WWE star spoke with Aaron Bronsteter of Rogers Sportsnet after attending UFC 298 in Anaheim on Saturday night.
Punk was asked about past statements that he would never return to pro wrestling and equated it to his choice to fight in the UFC and how his stance on pro wrestling changed.
Who ever thought I would fight in the UFC? I was afforded an opportunity by Lorenzo (Fertitta) and Dana (White) and I would be kicking myself to his day if I said ‘no’. I’m not a guy that lives with regret, I will seize opportunities whether someone on the internet thinks I deserve them or not. I work hard for my dreams and I will always chase them. I think a lot of clouds parted and time heals all wounds, so when it came back to wrestling it was just the right time.
After leaving WWE in 2014 and infamously being given his release notice on his wedding day, the UFC announced his signing in December 2014.
Punk made his UFC debut in September 2016, losing by TKO to Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in Cleveland, Ohio. He returned to the Octagon in June 2018 and dropped a unanimous decision against Mike Jackson at the United Center in Chicago, which was later ruled a no-contest when Jackson failed a post-fight drug test.
Punk returned to professional wrestling in August 2021 and wrestled for AEW until being terminated from his contract last September.
He returned to WWE at last November’s Survivor Series and is currently rehabbing a torn right triceps muscle.
1-on-1 with CM Punk, who reacts to Ilia Topuria becoming the featherweight champion, why he returned to pro wrestling and his immediate thoughts on the UFC 300 main event. pic.twitter.com/BGbvdedWsg
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) February 18, 2024
