On the latest episode of the Anik & Flo Podcast with UFC commentators/analysts Jon Anik and Kenny Florian, former UFC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis made some interesting revealations about his Roufusport teammate and former WWE superstar CM Punk’s Octagon debut. “Everyday, he’s getting closer,” said Pettis. Punk announced his signing with the UFC in early December of 2014. He made it a personal goal to make his promotional debut in or by December of 2015. Proving to be a tougher challenge than expected, the 37-year-old failed to meet the goal after suffering a shoulder injury in training. The Illinois native’s UFC debut has been a top MMA news story since his signing with the promotion. Media and fight fans have kept wondering when Punk will finally lace up the gloves. Some questioned whether he ever will. “We’re doing it right, making sure he’s 100% ready,” said Pettis. “You only have one first impression. (I) can’t wait to see him fight, but if he goes out there and does a good job, his career will last, but if he goes out there and gets smoked, then he’s the laugh(ing stock) of the UFC, so we gotta make sure he’s ready and he’s gonna do well in his first fight.” According to Pettis, Punk will indeed be fighting this year. In fact, they are already looking at potential dates. “I think in (the) summertime he’s gonna be fighting. Early June, July, we’re looking (at) for his debut,” said Pettis. CM Punk, real name Phil Brooks, has received many call-outs since signing with the promotion. The most interesting of which came from Jason David Frank, who is better known as the Green Ranger from the Power Rangers television series. That is a Bellator-esque fight that would surely get high ratings, but it is doubtful that the UFC would consider it as an option. Punk’s potential opponent came to light in the latest episode of the ‘Looking For a Fight‘ reality series on UFC Fight Pass. UFC President Dana White, with friends former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and Nick the Tooth went to a regional show in Philadelphia, PA, where they witnessed a welterweight by the name of Mickey Gall make his promotional debut and win by first round rear naked choke submission. Following his victory, Gall took to the microphone and asked to fight the former WWE superstar:
“Hey Dana White, I don’t know if CM Punk has an opponent, but I would love to fight that man.”
Gall approached White afterwards and again made his case for a fight with Punk. White, wearing a big smile on his face, confirmed he was interested. White had previously stated that he would like Punk to face a fighter with only one or two professional fights to his name, so the 23-year-old fits the bill. For a potential Summer fight, an official announcement could be expected around March. MMAOddsBreaker will keep you up to date as the story develops.