CM Punk talks his name, how AJ Lee and Daniel Bryan would fare in MMA

CM Punk at the UFC 182 weigh-ins

Last night (early morning today in India), CM Punk took part in a Q & A session with the fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas before the official weigh-ins for UFC 182. Punk took questions from the fans for nearly 40 minutes, and while most of the fans were inebriated and couldn’t form a coherent sentence, there were some interesting questions that Punk fielded during the session.

Punk talked about a wide range of topics, including the Roufusport gym where he will start training in a couple of days to why he actually signed with UFC.

Punk doesn’t agree with his critics

Talking about the critics and the MMA fans getting upset with his signing, he said that he understood them, but he doesn't have to agree with them. If people enjoy seeing him win or lose, that's great. He said he gets people want to see him knocked out.

Punk was then asked if he joined UFC to spite WWE. He said that would be a ridiculous reason to put himself inside a cage with someone who wants to beat him up. Punk said it was a personal journey and a supreme challenge.

A fan then brought up Punk’s history with backyard wrestling, and he was asked if the CM in his name came from "CM Venom", a backyard wrestler in the 1990s. Punk said that the CM is from "Chuck Mosley" of Faith No More fame.

A fan then asked him if there needs to be a more defined route for amateurs. Punk said he was not jumping anyone in line, and he's not getting a title shot. He said everyone stands to make a lot of money from it (Punk’s first fight in the UFC), although he's not in it for that.

Similarities exist in wrestling and MMA

When asked what the greatest take away from professional wrestling would be, Punk said the most valuable tool he can take from pro wrestling is not having the jitters in front of a big crowd. He said the technical aspects between MMA and wrestling are different, but there are similarities as well.

Punk was then asked where he sees himself fighting on his first card. He said he would fight wherever the business side asks. He was asked about Brock Lesnar's MMA career, and Punk said he's happy for what Lesnar accomplished but his path won't be the same. He said Lesnar laid a business blueprint for him.

Punk was asked who could transition from WWE to UFC. He said he wouldn't count his wife out, and mentioned Daniel Bryan dabbles in training. He said he thought Samoa Joe could have also done well in MMA.

Here’s the video of the entire Q & A session.