CM Punk may never return to WWE, but he isn't getting much respect in the UFC -- especially from his upcoming opponent.
The former wrestler is slated to make his debut in the Octagon against New Jersey native Mickey Gall, 24, at a date to be determined. Punk, 37, has had many setbacks with his UFC debut, most recently having to undergo back surgery just a week after it was determined he'd face Gall.
While there has been a lot of fanfare and buzz around Punk's impending first fight, Gall can't wait to get it over with so that he can move on to some other competition.
"Then my dream really starts," Gall said, according to ESPN. "I don't want to be the 'CM Punk guy.' I don't want to be a sideshow-type thing. [After Punk], I get to prove I'm of this caliber. I've been training with UFC guys since I was 16. I know I'm ready and I can't wait to fight the best guys in the world, get into those wars and get those victories."
Gall's comments clearly show a lack of respect for his opponent and he certainly isn't taking him very seriously since he's coming from the squared circle.
Punk's decision to join the UFC so late in his career is as questionable as his choice to walk out of wrestling, but he has taken strides in making his dream come true. While Punk has every right to live his dreams, the setbacks must be frustrating.
Punk left the WWE in January 2014 due to being frustrated with the way he was being used and over being asked to work while injured. The former WWE Champion then signed with the UFC in December of that same year, but still hasn't been able to enter the Octagon over a year after originally joining the MMA promotion.
Gall, who won his debut on Feb. 6 for the right to face Punk and is 2-0, plans to use the high-profile bout as a way to get himself over at the expense of his well-known opponent. This is why he hasn't taken any other fights as he waits on Punk to be ready.
"I'd like to fight, but it's a big opportunity. It's a big name," Gall said. "I'll get fans from that and exposure that will help my career going forward. Although I'm eager and want to say, 'Yeah, I'll take a fight right now,' this is a smart move."
Gall is looking past Punk before even facing him, mostly due to his wrestling background.
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