UFC newcomer Mickey Gall has warned wrestling superstar CM Punk ahead of their expected clash in the Octagon, but said he respects the former WWE champion for making the switch to Dana White's company.
Simon Head of the Sun quoted Gall ahead of his first UFC bout against Mike Jackson at UFC 196. His latest comments come after he called out Punk during his own professional MMA debut at a regional event last November—with White in attendance.
"I think it’s a ballsy move. I respect him, he’s made himself a superstar in professional wrestling," said Gall. "He’s obviously a special guy. But I think he’s coming into MMA and against any MMA fighter he’s gonna be in trouble—but especially in trouble with me."
Before a fight with Punk is officially made, Gall will have to beat Mike Jackson to rubber stamp his next contest. After signing a contact with the UFC, the fighter proclaimed, per Head:
I’m so excited man.
I know we’re talking about CM Punk because he’s the superstar. But all I’m thinking about is Mike Jackson. All I’m thinking about is this fight on the 6th.
I know if I do what I can do I’m gonna come away with the win. If I don’t do what I do, all this is gone, so I’m focusing big-time on Mike Jackson and I’m ready to put a whupping on him on the 6th.
Gall recently took to Instagram to post a picture of himself and Punk, as both men look forward to their new journeys in UFC:
White recently revealed Gall is likely to be Punk's first obstacle in the Octagon, per TSN's Off the Record (via Shaun Al-Shatti of MMAFighting.com). The president of the company said: "I'm bringing Mickey Gall in, and he's going to fight a kid named Michael Jackson. They're going to fight on the prelims, on February 6 on Fight Pass, and if he wins that fight, Mickey Gall will fight CM Punk. And CM Punk will be there at the fight to watch."
Here are White's full thoughts on Off the Record:
Punk, real name Phil Brooks, said he has a minimum eight-fight plan for his new career in UFC, but he hinted he wants a substantial shot at MMA glory.
The former WWE star added those who believe he will fail will be shocked when they see him in battle, per Head:
I can’t honestly answer how many [fights] I’m gonna have - we’ll wait and see how the first one goes. But there’s gonna be eight, at least.
[...]
I expect people to be disappointed [after my debut].
I expect all those people that think I’m gonna get knocked out in 10 seconds to be disappointed. I expect people to bet against me and lose their money.
I expect people to get divorced because they’re upset that their wife wanted me to win and they wanted me to lose, you know?
But the people who have stood by me and supported me know it’s business as usual. They know what kind of person I am and they know how I am at the gym.
And once that cage door shuts it’s between one minute and 15 minutes before the fight ends and my hand gets raised.
Punk has been one of the decade's best sports entertainers with a mic in hand, but he will soon have to prove he can truly roll with the punches as he tries to avoid pain in the Octagon.
Gall's lack of experience is a good fit for Punk in his first MMA fight, but the hunger of the young man could surprise the superstar if he lands shots early.
The martial artist from New Jersey understands a win against Punk will send his career into orbit, and it's an opportunity he could grab with both hands if his illustrious opponent shows any weakness.
Punk will have to shake off the WWE wresting tag in his first bout, but he has prepared long and hard through 2015 and will be physically ready if Gall comprehensively deals with Jackson.
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