UFC’s Dana White: Mike Jackson will be CM Punk’s next opponent

CM Punk facing Mike Jackson in his second UFC fight is as confirmed as it’s going to get until the official announcement is made.

Before today’s UFC 223 media day incident with Conor McGregor, Dana White spoke to TMZ Sports and was asked who he wants Punk’s next opponent to be. When questioned about Jackson specifically, White said “that’s the fight.”

White didn’t specify when the bout would be taking place, but Punk has said he’s fighting at UFC 225 in Chicago on June 9th. Jackson also posted on Twitter and Instagram after White’s interview, “Time to cash in the #MoneyInTheBank! Uncle Dana just delivered the #pipebomb, @cmpunk vs The Truth at #UFC225! #TruthvsPunk #TruthFoodTour”

Like Punk, Jackson only has one professional mixed martial arts fight under his belt. Both of them lost to Mickey Gall in their UFC debuts, with Gall submitting Jackson in February 2016 and then being announced as Punk’s first opponent. Gall went on to defeat Punk with a first-round rear naked choke at UFC 203 in September of that year.

Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker defending his title against Yoel Romero is scheduled to be the main event of UFC 225.