WWE/MMA News: CM Punk and UFC Hall-of-Famer address negative reaction to Punk's upcoming fight

What’s the story?

CM Punk and UFC Hall-of-Famer Mark Coleman have taken to social media to address the negative reaction from certain sections of fans and experts regarding his upcoming UFC fight.

Coleman asserted that the criticism surrounding Punk being accorded a PPV spot on a UFC card is largely unnecessary. Besides, Punk weighed in with his two cents on the same.

In case you didn’t know…

Phil “CM Punk” Brooks made his MMA debut at UFC 203 in September of 2016; losing to Mickey Gall by way of submission.

Punk’s aforementioned fight against Gall served as a marquee attraction on the PPV portion of the UFC 203 card, which in turn led to a widespread backlash from fans and experts alike, with most critics stating that more deserving fighters ought to have been accorded the pay-per-view slot that was taken up by Punk.

The heart of the matter

CM Punk hasn’t competed in a pro-MMA fight since his aforementioned debut match against Gall. However, the UFC recently confirmed that Punk will fight Mike Jackson at UFC 225.

One ought to note that Punk’s fight will once again be broadcasted as part of the PPV portion of the UFC event, with the UFC 225 card also featuring several important matchups such as Robert Whittaker vs Yoel Romero, Rafael Dos Anjos vs Colby Covington, and Holly Holm vs. Megan Anderson, to name a few.

MMA legend, former UFC Heavyweight Champion, and UFC Hall-of-Famer Mark Coleman put forth the following statement regarding Punk occupying a slot on the UFC 225 PPV card—

“Sometimes u have to make exceptions.$ I'm excited for this fight . I wish @CMPunk the best! But I understand.”

Furthermore, Punk thanked Coleman for the supportive statement, and replied—

“I understand too. If it was up to me, I'd be first fight on fight pass. Don't matter to me. Fans like to be outraged by stuff that doesn't matter. (Appreciate the support Mr. Coleman!!!!! You're truly the man)”

I understand too. If it was up to me, I'd be first fight on fight pass. Don't matter to me. Fans like to be outraged by stuff that doesn't matter. (Appreciate the support Mr. Coleman!!!!! You're truly the man)

— Coach (@CMPunk) May 14, 2018

What’s next?

CM Punk fights Mike Jackson at UFC 225 which takes place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on June 9th.

Meanwhile, UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker puts his title on the line in a rematch against Yoel Romero.

Also on the card, Rafael Dos Anjos competes against Colby Covington for the Interim UFC Welterweight title, as Undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley rehabs his injury.

Author’s take

Truth be told—one has got to agree with Mark Coleman and CM Punk’s take on the situation.

When “The Godfather of Ground-and-Pound” Mark Coleman extends his support to a decision, it truly emphasizes the significance behind said decision.

Punk, a former WWE Champion, bringing more attention to the UFC, is great for the UFC and the sport of MMA as a whole.