The CM Punk UFC signing — oh sorry, it’s just Phil Brooks now because Punk is “legit” or whatever — has stoked excitement on the internet. Just looking over the Inquisitr’s own selection of stories , we’ve had like nine different pieces written detailing some facet of the deal.
(Make this 10.)
Basically, I’m going to say what someone should have said to Punk before he made this decision, and that’s this: You should start mending fences with WWE because you’re going to be back there sooner rather than later.
If Brooks was serious about his MMA career, he would not have signed a deal with the most prestigious organization in the sport. That just guarantees he’ll get thumped in his first or second bout — maybe both — and that he’ll be back in pro wrestling before you know it.
A smarter move would have been to sign with Bellator and win a few fights to actually prove himself before making the jump to a bigger payday (and tougher competition). As is, this decision basically says the CM Punk UFC signing is an attempt to utilize his celebrity for one good payday.
Look at the facts. He has NO combat sports experience. WWE fighting may be fun and entertaining to watch, but it’s not the same as stepping in the cage with a guy who can legitimately kill you.
Ask Brock Lesnar. Throw around that “but he was UFC Heavyweight Champion” stuff all you want, the fact is he had no business being in the UFC, and still doesn’t.
Sure, the Paul Heyman fiction that he “wasn’t at 100 percent” makes for nice face-saving, but he was pretty much handed that belt and hadn’t paid his dues when he got the shot against a washed-up Randy Couture. In what other sport can you be just 2-1 and get a shot at the biggest prize?
It was a joke, as subsequent fights and his 5-3 overall record, prove, and the only reason Dana White would like him back now is for the media attention a Lesnar comeback would guarantee.
I’ve been critical of Brooks for the WWE whining he’s done over the last year, but I do see his talent. I’ll admit that I wasn’t watching wrestling when he was popular, but the pipe bomb segment from June 27, 2011, is deserving of its legendary status.
Still, you need more than personality and mic skills to make it in MMA because it’s a real sport, and he’s way too early in his game to be banging heads with the big boys.
What do you think about the CM Punk UFC signing? Publicity stunt or will Brooks be a legitimate contender?
