With news breaking that CM Punk has signed a deal with UFC, the WWE has reacted to its former Superstar jumping to the MMA world while a lot of personalities have given their two cents on social media.
Punk walked out on the WWE in January and was later released from the promotion on his wedding day with WWE Diva AJ Lee over the summer. Following Punk appearing at UFC 181 and announcing his deal with the promotion, the WWE released a statement on its website.
"WWE wishes Phil Brooks (aka CM Punk) the best of luck in his newest endeavor," the company said on its website.
Punk told UFC announcer Joe Rogan at UFC 181 that he's ready to ditch the world of professional wrestling to get in the octagon.
"I have a limited window like all fighters do, and I'm here for a fight," Punk said. "This is my new career 100 percent."
Dana White also commented on the acquisition of Punk and said the "Best in the World" will likely fight at middleweight (185 pounds), but is open to 170 pounds also.
"He wanted to fight here," White told ESPN. "He wanted to give it a shot, so we gave him an opportunity. It's not like Brock Lesnar. We're not going to throw the kitchen sink at him. Lesnar had a wrestling background. [CM Punk] going to fight a guy who is 1-0, 1-1, 2-1 -- something like that. He's been coming to fights for a long time and after his WWE contract was up, he called me and said he wanted to give it a shot. I said, 'All right. We'll give you a shot.'"
White added that it could take six or seven months before Punk is ready for a fight.
Several wrestling personalities tweeted about the news of Punk joining UFC.
"Awesome to see my homie Punk at UFC 181 announcing his new career as a UFC fighter!" Rey Mysterio tweeted. "Congrats & wish him the best... Kick some A-homie #ItWasAPleasureBeingInTheRingWithU#LifeChanger#CantWaite2SeeUKickA--"
Former WWE announcer Jim Ross and former wrestler Tyler Reks (Gabe Tuft) also commented:
"Congrats on @CMPunk signing apparently w/ @ufc is he going to fight? What weight? Will sell PPV's w/o question. Smart biz by @danawhite," Ross wrote.
Said Reks: "So Punk whined when @Ryback22 was too stiff in the ring...can't wait to see him in UFC. #FuelingTheFire."
UFC's Michael Bisping, a middleweight, tweeted the following calling out Punk:
"I see @cmpunk wants to kick a--, well he can kiss my a--! Welcome to the Ufc, let's do this! @ufc @danawhite," he wrote.
After having the internet buzzing over a podcast last week, Punk is once again a hot topic now that it has been revealed that he will be a part of UFC.
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