#PunkWeek: The timeline of CM Punk’s long & complicated road to UFC 203

Image: MMAJunkie.com

In talking about CM Punk’s road to UFC 203, I feel like I’ve said once or ten times that it feels like that announcement about Punk signing with UFC came a decade ago. 

I guess in today’s society, though, 21 months can feel like 10 years.

Since so much has happened between that fateful day and September 10, 2016, I wanted to look back at the timeline of events that brought CM Punk (aka Phil Brooks) to Cleveland, OH.

January 27, 2014 —

CM Punk tells WWE he’s done with the company and leaves Raw that night without appearing on camera.

December 6, 2014 —

Punk appears on the UFC 181 PPV broadcast alongside Joe Rogan and tells the viewing audience that he has signed a multi-fight deal with UFC. He doesn’t know where he’s going to train, what weight class he’s going to fight in, or when he’s going to fight. As you can imagine, there were a lot of questions and little answers.

December 31, 2014 — 

UFC president Dana White tells Fox Sports Live that Punk has chosen a fight camp: Roufussport in Milwaukee, WI. There is no anticipated date or opoonent for his debut.

June 24, 2015 — 

Ariel Helwani reports that Punk is renting a home in Milwaukee in order to cut down on the 90 minute drive from Chicago, allowing him to train more.

June/July 2015 — 

Between meetings with the UFC and how his body is responding to training, welterweight (170 pounds) is the chosen path for Punk’s weight class.

October 5, 2015 —

Duke Roufus tells ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that Punk suffered a shoulder injury that will delay any thought of his debut. He said he still hoped Punk would debut in the next six to 10 months. Punk said there was only a loud pop, and no tear or major damage, and expected to return to more physical action in a few weeks.

February 6, 2016 —

Mickey Gall cruises to an easy first round submission win over Mike Jackson at UFC Fight Night 82, cementing him as Punk’s first opponent. The two square off in the cage to little fireworks. No date is given for the fight.

February 10, 2016 —

Ariel Helwani reports that Punk has been diagnosed with a herniated disc in his back that will require surgery, putting him on the shelf for four-to-six weeks.

June 23, 2016 —

On the UFC Unfiltered podcast, Punk reveals that he will fight Gall at UFC 203 on September 10th in Cleveland, OH.

September 9, 2016 — 

Punk makes weight, hitting 170 pounds on the nose. Gall also makes weight, making the fight official. 

September 10, 2016 —

TBD!