Dana White Thinks CM Punk’s First UFC Fight Will Take Place Early 2016

Last November, CM Punk set the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts on fire when he announced his intentions to sign with UFC and take up a career in MMA. Punk, who had been long known as an advocate for MMA, decided it was now or never, and opted to begin training and pursuing that career path.

This came around the same time he gave context to his departure from WWE in an interview with Colt Cabana, where he explained he was injured and needed to get away, but was fired by the company on his wedding day.

Punk has spoken out about his pursuit of a career in MMA despite what his critics thing, and has been hard at work training. He has had a couple of scrimmages as well in that time.

Recently, TMZ Sports caught up with UFC head honcho Dana White, where White discussed Punk’s training for his promotion:

“The respect that this guy has earned from his team, his coaches, he’s a dog” Dana said. “He actually just moved to Milwaukee so he can be closer to training and he’s committed to this thing. The guy’s an absolute stud and a joy to work with… He’s looking phenomenal.

In the interview, White also noted Punk is expected to have his first fight in the first quarter of 2016:

“He can call me and when he’s ready to fight, he calls me and it’s on, man. I’m thinking early next year.”

It is unknown at this time what weight class Punk will fight in or even who his opponent will be, but regardless of such, it is likely he will receive major billing on the respective card.

Editor’s Note

Wishing him the best. Hopefully all of this works out for him and he can make this thing a reality.

Follow @JonAlba