Jon Jones took issue with CM Punk cutting in line ahead of hardworking fighters: Throwback

CM Punk caused quite a stir among fighters, including Jon Jones, when he signed with the UFC in 2014. At the time, the pro wrestling star recently left WWE and decided to attempt a move to the top MMA promotion in the world.

Despite the comparison with Brock Lesnar, who also joined the UFC off his popularity, it was a much different situation as Lesnar had one pro MMA fight and was a former NCAA Div I heavyweight wrestling champion.

During his appearance on Chad Dukes Versus The World, Jones voiced his displeasure as he felt that Punk, who had no combat sports or collegiate wrestling background, was cutting the line and taking a job away from other hardworking fighters.

Jones said:

"I just think it's unfair for the people who have been working their tails off to earn this opportunity...That's why I really hope UFC gives him a real opponent so we can watch him get knocked out."

'Bones' brought up that he understood that signing the former WWE champion would bring in a lot of publicity for the promotion. He mentioned that he felt bad for the young fighters that made a lot of sacrifices in order to earn an opportunity with the UFC, saying:

"These guys have no money and they're training their tails off, giving up everything to be a fighter. Living in the gym, eating turkey and peanut butter, bare minimum to chase this dream and then a superstar like him [CM Punk] just gets to jump into the UFC just because he knows the right people and has a name."

Unfortunately, for Punk, his UFC tenure wasn't as successful as Lesnar's was and only lasted two fights. Despite the short tenure, he has joined the broadcast team for a number of MMA events on Fight Pass.

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Who did CM Punk fight in the UFC?

CM Punk committed himself to MMA when he signed with the UFC in 2014 and took the time to learn and develop. He didn't rush into his first bout and made his debut when he felt as though he was ready.

Almost two years after announcing that he signed with the promotion, the former WWE champion made his MMA debut at UFC 203, where he fought Mickey Gall. The fight didn't last very long as Gall quickly took CM Punk down, landed strikes on the ground, and then submitted him via a rear-naked choke at 2:14 of the first round.

'The Second City Savior' was given another opportunity in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, where he fought Mike Jackson at UFC 225. Despite securing a takedown, he went on to lose via unanimous decision, but it was later overturned and ruled a no-contest after Jackson tested positive for cannabis.