UFC Debut For Former WWE Superstar CM Punk Possibly Bumped To 2016 – Why Is ‘The Best In The World’ Delaying His Fight?

On December 6, 2014, former WWE superstar CM Punk announced he would debut in MMA after signing a multi-fight contract with UFC. After the announcement, wrestling and MMA communities discussed what they’ve just heard, contemplating venue and opponent, despite the fact Punk’s debut is predicted to happen in late 2015. This, however, won’t stop people from chattering, especially former NFL star Shawne Merriman claiming he could beat CM Punk in a most violent way.

Now, it is halfway through 2015, meaning CM Punk’s predicted debut is about to come. Unfortunately for Punk fans, they may have to wait as reports now show CM Punk’s debut may be pushed back to 2016. The question that needs answering is: why?

Apparently, the reason for CM Punk’s debut being pushed back to 2016 is not his fault at all. According to Washington Post, Punk made an appearance on the Anik and Florian podcast on Monday, June 15, 2015. During the interview, CM Punk made it known there hasn’t been much talking between him (his team) and UFC for an upcoming fight.

“I’ve had zero talks with [UFC executives] Dana [White] or Lorenzo [Fertitta] or Joe Silva – anybody – about an opponent, about a date. I’m thankful for that because there’s zero pressure on that, too.”

This would definitely be fuel to the fire stoked alive by CM Punk naysayers. Plenty of people in the MMA communities actually believe Punk will never make his debut. Punk made sure to address them too during his appearance.

“I think a lot of people are antsy. They’re saying on Twitter, ‘Ah, you’re never going to fight.’ This was just announced in what? November? December? I’ve been training full-time for like six months. As bad as I have the itch to get in there, like I said, I want to be as prepared as I possibly can be. I wouldn’t be upset if it got pushed into 2016.”

If he does or does not, CM Punk is a huge draw and will most-likely have it at one of UFC’s premier events. For the remainder of 2015, Punk has UFC 191 (September 5, 2015), UFC 192 (October 3, 2015 in Houston, Texas), UFC 193(November 15, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia), and UFC 194 (December 5, 2015).

And to be fair, CM Punk’s nonchalant attitude to not rushing into a fight in UFC might work to his favor. According to 5th Round, Punk sees his MMA career as a long-term investment, avoiding the thought it is a pit stop before pursuing other endeavors.

“I’m also looking at the big picture; this isn’t a one-and-done thing for me. I’m not looking to fight just once – win, lose or draw. This is something I’m training for, and I feel like it would be a super waste of time if I was just training for one fight or anything like that, if I wasn’t just making a career out of it. Getting beat up in the gym every day wouldn’t be worth it in the big picture.”

“I’m not saying I’m going to make a title run or anything like that, but I’m also – I’m looking to maximize my time here. If I wind up fighting in 2016, I’m not going to be upset about it.”

[Image via AW-Edition’s deviantART Page]