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CM Punk is one stubborn customer. Despite suffering a forgettable loss in his UFC debut against Mickey Gall, the former WWE Superstar's drive to successfully transition from pro wrestling to MMA hasn't diminished.
Luckily for Punk, UFC is in dire need of a star-studded card and as announced by Dana White himself, Punk will fight again inside the Octagon. Dana White and co. are returning to Chicago for UFC 225. It isn't rocket science folks. A hometown return is best for business and for Punk's fortunes too.
Surprisingly and realistically, the longest reigning WWE Champion does stand a good chance of notching up his first pro-MMA win. You ask why? The man who's rumored to face him apparently has a similar skill set and record as the Cult of Personality.
Mike Jackson may not instantly ring a bell but the 32-year-old Texas native could be the talk of the town once the official announcement is made.
Here are a few things you must know about him:
#1 Was one of the original contenders to face CM Punk back in 2016
Johnson's only MMA loss incidentally came against the same man who gave CM Punk a taste of humble pie on his debut, Mickey Gall.
While Gall was scouted through Dana White's Looking For A Fight youtube series, Jackson was recommended to the UFC president by the President of Legacy FC, Mick Maynard, and was pitted against Gall with the opportunity to face Punk on the line.
All Gall needed were just forty five seconds to wrap his arms around Johnson and finish him off with a rear naked choke at UFC Fight Night 82 back in February 2016.
Jackson was subsequently released from the promotion after the solitary loss and has since lobbied for a fight against Punk. He even cut an entertaining pro wrestling promo to further his cause:
Interestingly, Jackson mentioned during the lead up to his fight against Gall that he was never UFC calibre
"This is a business. Phil Brooks, CM Punk, does he belong in the UFC? No. Does myself or Mickey Gall belong in the UFC? No. But you bring Punk in because it's a business deal and you can't throw this kid in there with any other UFC fighter."
Real talk!
Journalist: http://www.mikethetruth.com/,
Wanted to fight Artem Lobov
Photographer and videographer for Legacy FC
Was one of the original opponents for CM Punk, Admitted he was never UFC caliber
Former boxer and kickboxer with a 0-0 record before UFC debut
He started training in 2008, he said, while a college student at the University of Houston, where he recently earned his degree in sociology with a minor in African-American studies. Like a lot of starry-eyed young fighters, he said, he initially hoped to make it to the UFC some day.
#2 Wanted to fight Artem Lobov
Before being released, Jackson tried his shot at extending his run with the UFC by challenging Artem Freaking Lobov to a fight.
"The Russian Hammer" reciprocated positively and was up for the clash between the two stand up artists. What happened you ask?
It seems UFC just bought Jackson in to lose and make Gall look good. In short, he was a glorified jobber with tons of charisma but nothing more.
In hindsight, Jackson would have made a better debutant for Punk. The less we mention about UFC's and their matchmaking the better. Moving on...
#3 Former Boxer and kickboxer
Jackson may be a rookie but he isn't a tin can. He may not be a wizard on the ground but coming from a boxing and kickboxing background has helped his stand up prospects in the brutal world of MMA.
The man can certainly box as he holds a spotless 4-0 record as a light heavyweight.
However, for someone who just wanted a handful of MMA fights over the course of 2016, debuting in the biggest promotion in the world is an envious proposition. Jackson, though, is a self-proclaimed personality who could be marketing gold for the UFC.
'The Truth' is a jack of all trades too...
#4 Photographer and Videographer for Legacy FC
Jackson is an all-out fight junkie who's been in and around the MMA scene for quite some time. His good friend, Mick Maynard runs Legacy FC and as mentioned earlier, was responsible for Jackson landing the UFC gig in the first place.
Jackson has been an integral part of the Texas-based promotion that airs on AXS TV. However, the Welterweight has more time on his hand for another exciting venture of his.
#5 Journalist
Boxer, kickboxer, Mixer Martial Artist, photographer, videographer and now a combat sports journalist. Jackson is as motivated as they come and has been running www.Mikethetruth.com, that apart from giving an insight into the man's ideology focuses on Houston's bulging MMA scene.
From all the latest MMA news to promoting local events, Jackson knows how to keep himself busy when he's not sparring in the gym.
After all that you've read about "The Truth", don't you think he deserves a decent payday against Punk? He sure as hell does and UFC too would have recognized it by now.
