CM Punk Opens Up About His UFC Journey: “I Wish I Started Earlier”
WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk has never shied away from speaking his truth — and his latest reflections on his MMA past are no different.
After parting ways with WWE in 2014, Punk shocked the sports world by signing with the UFC. Stepping into a completely new arena at age 36, he fought twice: first against Mickey Gall in 2016, and then Mike Jackson in 2018 — a bout that was later changed to a no-contest.
Looking back during a conversation with Chef Donny, Punk admitted that while he doesn’t regret the leap, timing worked against him.
“There was a huge learning curve,” Punk said. “I did it because I love MMA. I got the chance, and I said yes — that’s how I live my life. My only regret is not starting earlier. I was already old for the sport.”
Despite critics, Punk made it clear he took the challenge seriously:
“I trained my ass off. I got in shape. I did everything I could. But MMA is a young man’s game, and I came in late.”
Punk’s UFC journey may have been short, but it remains one of the boldest career risks taken by a WWE Superstar.
Now a two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion once again, Punk is gearing up for another major moment. He is slated to appear at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 — the same show hosting the final match of John Cena’s legendary in-ring career.
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