CM Punk will fight in the UFC again, and now we have the date.
The former professional wrestler will fight for the second time on June 9 — most likely at UFC 225, in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. It’s the confirmation of months of speculation, going all the way back to the moment he stepped out of the cage after his debut at UFC 203.
The news comes as Punk responded to a fan on Twitter, who asked the former WWE star when we’d be seeing him crying in the Octagon again.
“June nine, after I win and lock eyes with my beautiful wife, embrace my coaches and shout out my whole team,” Punk wrote.
June nine, after I win and lock eyes with my beautiful wife, embrace my coaches and shout out my entire team https://t.co/TmzRWR2kbn
— Coach (@CMPunk) March 12, 2018
Punk’s story in the UFC has been a complicated one, with the celebrity making his mixed martial arts debut in the biggest promotion of the sport in 2016. The move came with it a large amount of criticism, even amongst UFC staff and fighters. Punk lost his debut to Mickey Gall in a one-sided drubbing, although the welterweight maintained it had been one of the best experiences of his life.
Now, even in spite of his 0-1 record, Punk looks like he’ll be making that walk again, with UFC president Dana White giving him another opportunity.
“I like that guy. He’s a good dude,” White said of Punk back in January. “He wants to give it another shot. I’m going to give it to him. He’s a completely different case than most normal human beings. So, I’m going to give him another shot.”
Punk’s opponent is as of yet unconfirmed, but many have speculated it would be Mike Jackson. Jackson has also made one appearance in the UFC, a similar loss to Gall. Speaking to TheMacLife.com, Jackson said that, while he was still interested in the contest, he’s yet to receive a contract.
“The interest is still there,” Jackson said. “I’m simply waiting on the contract. Communication has been limited.”