The sport of MMA has taken a new turn involving huge rising stars like Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. But the latest hot topic is a former WWE wrestler opting to take the most risk, involving the transition to MMA.
CM Punk is a day away from stepping into the Octagon to be the first pro-wrestler to make his MMA debut in the UFC, and the only person to do so in the modern era of the company.
He is an international Superstar and everyone knows him, but here are 5 facts about him that not many people still know.
#5 Punk's Idol
A champion’s rise to the top is driven by his passion for the sport, and behind that passion, there is always an idol to follow, which drives the athlete to reach or surpass the standards set by the legend.
Punk’s hunger has been the result of his admiration of his idol that has achieved numerous feats in the sport of MMA. The legend that Phil Brooks has always been looking up to is none other than Captain America himself, Dan ‘Hendo’ Henderson.
The former WWE champion admitted to having followed Hendo’s career and ‘it’s always been him’ whose legendary career that has always inspired Punk. Dan Henderson is the only guy in the history of Zuffa’s dominant ownership, to have held two golden straps simultaneously- the Pride Middleweight and Welterweight Championships.
This mark in history has inspired many to follow in his footsteps, and Brooks seems to simply be one of them.
#4 Punk participates in a ‘Gracie Breakdown’
Everyone wants to be a friend with a WWE Superstar. Who wouldn’t? Especially if it’s CM Punk. We see most of the celebrities flaunt their wealth in partying and other unproductive stuff.
But Punk is a different breed. He spends his time learning the art of the Gracie brand of Jiujitsu with his good friend, Rener Gracie.
Rener and his brother run a Youtube channel known as ‘Gracie Breakdown’ that involves step by step breakdown of complex jujitsu moves. But on two occasions Rener Gracie’s good friend CM Punk shows up to volunteer.
The first ‘Breakdown’ was demonstrated in 2012 where they explain and teach the moves that were involved in the match between Royce Gracie and Dan Severn. The other ‘Breakdown’ was witnessed in 2014, involving the demonstration of one-hand guillotine choke that former UFC champion Luke Rockhold applied on Michael Bisping to win their first fight.
#3 Punk’s initial though to fight
Choosing a career path is one of the hardest leaps to come to a conclusion in life, and what is harder is to display, is extreme perseverance to reach the goal. But the mental planning and organization differ when it comes to sports, especially in a young man’s sport like MMA.
CM Punk is 37 years old and had announced his signing with the company in December of 2014. The decision wasn’t a reaction to any crazy ideas he had in mind but was something he had on his ‘to-do- list’ for a long time before the termination of his WWE career.
Prior to even giving meeting the UFC, Punk had been training with the Gracies which gave him an idea of what he’s into, in the process strengthening his base. Despite having a rough schedule while working in the WWE he would often find time to learn and practice jujitsu at the Gracie Academy.
#2 Punk’s debut arena cursed?
As the wait is finally over, and in a day we will see the one of the world’s most controversial pro-wrestling figure make his transition to MMA when he will step into the Octagon for the first time. But is it really the first time he will be performing in the same arena for the first time?
While most of it can consider it some kind of a curse for Punk, his mind doesn’t twitch to the fact that he will fight in the cage for the first time in the exact same arena where he bid his former boss Vince McMahon goodbye.
The mysterious situation seems to have made many fans feel that it must be some sort of a curse. Even Punk himself reluctantly felt slightly the misfortune of this. But Punk seems to have cast the thought from his mind, so he can focus on his upcoming fight at Cleveland, Ohio.
#1 Fan of Rancid
The career pursued by Punk as a wrestler was not an easy one, in fact, was one of the most tiresome schedules a top superstar was assigned to. Despite having to try and recover from his injuries as soon as possible, he had to, at times, fight with guys who were, according to him, ‘dangerous in the ring’.
So the toll on his body was nothing less than a torture. Hence, to divert his attention Punk would often go for a run. But along with running, he listens to songs of his favorite band- Rancid.
Punk has been friends with the band members for quite some time and does spend time with them whenever possible. Rancid had also made a song for Punk called ‘F**k You’.
