Since the announcement of his UFC signing has been made public, CM Punk has been at the receiving end of both praises and harsh criticism.
The former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar turned mixed martial arts fighter will be making his debut immediately with the UFC, an occurrence that has not happened since the early 90's when it was still far from being the most prominent promotion company in the world.
Rightfully so, many have questioned the UFC's latest business move. A lot of people, fighters mostly, have equated the situation to that of former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, who had to compete at a smaller-named promotion company in Los Angeles (Dynamite!! USA), before fighting at MMA's grandest stage.
UFC president Dana White has since justified his acquisition of Punk (whose real name is Phil Brooks), despite admitting his skepticism about it. For the ever-brash and outspoken company executive, Punk wanted a chance to prove himself, and he simply obliged. No ifs, no buts.
Fighters like Ben Askren, Nate Diaz, Michael Bisping, and even retiree Din Thomas voiced out their dissatisfaction about it. For Askren, who also holds the ONE FC welterweight title, the UFC made an "amateur move" in signing a would-be fighter who had zero background in college/Greco Roman wrestling.
So far, "Funky" has been the most vocal about his sentiments, as he was also supposed to be signed by the UFC, although no deal ever materialized.
But amidst the criticism are the well-wishers, too. Reigning women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey says she "can't wait" for Punk to be on board. Heavyweight contender Roy Nelson simply sent his congratulatory regards.
However, an unlikely Good Samaritan emerged. Newly crowned welterweight champion Robbie Lawler not only sent out his cheerful message, but he also took the next step: inviting the former WWE champion to train with him and be teammates.
"Hey .@CMPunk everyone doubted me too. I moved down to @AmericanTopTeam and proved them wrong. Come here and do the same," Lawler tweeted.
As of this posting, Punk has yet to respond to Lawler's offer.
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