Former WWE champion Phil Brooks aka “CM Punk,” who suffered an embarrassing beatdown in his UFC debut against Mickey Gall at UFC 203, is expected to make his return to MMA at UFC 225 pay-per-view (PPV) event on Sat., June 9, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois.
Coach, Duke Roufus, was recently speaking on ‘The Luke Thomas Show on SiriusXM Rush‘ where he spoke about the improvement of former WWE star CM Punk:
200 percent [better],” said Roufus (Quote via MMA Fighting). “I’m not even his coach. We were friends first before we did this. I would not do this with anyone else except for my friendship with him from before he decided to fight. He’s just one hell of a guy.
He’s a celebrity but he’s different than a lot of celebrities I know. Great guy. He works his ass off. He’s very well-liked on our team and he’s improved a lot.”
“Let’s face it, Mickey Gall was a tough draw,” said Roufus. “He’s done quite well in the UFC so far. I think the UFC did the right thing. We don’t want to defame the sport or damage it by putting him in an un-legitimate fight. That being said, it’s very hard. They want him to come in and beat somebody, ya know?”
Punk is expected to face newbie Mike Jackson at UFC 225 and while the actual bout has yet to be confirmed. Coach Roufus is confident about Punk’s progress in the sport. Punk is training under Roufus to hone his skills, and coach was full of praise for the former wrestler’s commitment to training.
“We’re in the process of finishing up the bout agreement, and the UFC’s gonna make the announcement soon,” said Roufus. “It’s a good match on both sides. Can’t confirm what date it is. Obviously, we’re hoping it’s Chicago, to join Sergio and a bunch of our other teammates on that card.”
“He’s worked his butt off,” concluded Roufus. “Very dedicated guy and I respect him a lot because he comes in and takes his lumps. I’m not saying getting beat up or anything erroneously, but he comes in, he’s tired and he’s exhausted There’s no celebrity about him. He grinds just like everyone else.
That’s why he got to the top of the wrestling world and that’s why I respect him so much. I love anyone that has a great attitude and works hard. You help but love them, win lose or draw. This is the fight game and it all comes down to effort most of the time.”
How many of you excited to see CM Punk back in the Octagon?
