CM Punk was in attendance at UFC 298 over the weekend, where he reflected on his time in the promotion.
UFC run
Punk lost his first pro-MMA fight back at UFC 203 in 2016, against Mickey Gall via first-round submission. In his second bout, he lost to Mike Jackson by decision at UFC 225 in June 2018. However, that loss was later overturned to a no-contest due to Jackson being stripped of the win after he tested positive for marijuana on fight night.
While speaking with Aaron Bronsteter at the event, Punk was asked about why he returned to WWE last November.
No regrets
“Time. I think time is everything. Saying never, you learn real fast, it’s not just this business or the wrestling business, or any business. It’s life. You never say never. 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 this day if I said ‘no’. I’m not a guy that lives with regret, like 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.”
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
