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What's the story?
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Mike Jackson addressed his upcoming bout with former WWE superstar CM Punk at UFC 225.
Mike stated his belief that he'll make it easy for Punk to retire from professional MMA combat and boldly predicted that he's looking forward to finishing the 39-year-old's MMA career after just two bouts.
In case you didn't know...
Mike Jackson made his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 82, where he lost to a submission by Mickey Gall in 45 seconds of the first round. Punk's UFC debut was also against Gall at UFC 203 - where he lost via rear-naked choke after 2 minutes 14 seconds in round one.
The event was held at the Quicken Loans Arena, the same venue where Punk left WWE and retired from professional wrestling.
The heart of the matter
Jackson stated that he will beat up Punk and hurt him, before adding it was his primary objective to prove that MMA is not the sport for him.
When questioned about whether he thinks the UFC chose him as Punk's next opponent, after just a devastating loss, because they believe he can be beaten, he replied in bullish fashion.
The 33-year-old said that he's able to sell fights and nothing is invested in Punk regardless of the result, before also saying the fight made sense to him as it has a good story behind it.
What's next?
Provided both are fit, on weight and there are no issues beforehand, the pair are set to square off at UFC 225 on June 9 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
The event will be headlined under a Middleweight Title rematch bout between Robert Whittaker (c) and Yoel Romero. It also includes the much-awaited welterweight bout between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington, while Holly Holm and former Invicta featherweight champion Megan Anderson are also set to go head-to-head.
It is also set to mark the return of heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem against Curtis Blaydes.
Author's take
Punk may be new to the sport of MMA but was an athlete back during his spell in the WWE and has been training for the past four years full-time at a top gym.
He recently received his Blue belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu and after Jackson's poor display against Gall himself, all of these factors culminate to give Punk a decent chance at success on this occasion.
