- CM Punk says he started mixed martial arts too late to build a successful UFC career.
- The former WWE champion remains grateful for the opportunity but believes age and limited experience were decisive factors.
- Punk reflected on his two Octagon appearances during a recent YouTube interview and praised his late coach Duke Roufus.
- His UFC losses to Mickey Gall and Mike Jackson (the latter later ruled a no contest) remain part of his MMA legacy.
CM Punk says age and timing hurt his UFC hopes
Phil Brooks — better known to wrestling fans as CM Punk — has told fans he doesn’t regret stepping into the Octagon, but that one major error shaped his MMA outcome: starting too late. In a recent appearance on Chef Donny’s YouTube show “What’s For Lunch” (watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti1sMz7mz4Y), Punk said he took the opportunity seriously but admits he was already past the ideal age for a UFC career.
“I wish I started sooner,” Punk said. “I started so late, I was already old. It was just kind of like a bucket list thing, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t take it seriously. I trained my a– off… but yeah, I started way too late, it’s a young man’s game.”
Two Octagon fights that defined his UFC run
Punk’s UFC résumé includes two high-profile fights: a 2016 loss to Mickey Gall at UFC 203 and a 2018 bout with Mike Jackson at UFC 225. Gall finished Punk in just over two minutes, while Jackson went the distance — a result later overturned to a no contest when Jackson tested positive for marijuana.
Punk’s frank assessment underlines the practical barriers he faced: limited time to build striking and grappling fundamentals, less ring experience compared with lifelong fighters, and the physical toll of beginning a contact sport in his late 30s.
Gratitude, lessons, and respect for his team
Despite the outcome, Punk emphasized gratitude for the chance to compete at the highest level. He also paid tribute to his late coach Duke Roufus, who worked with him during his training period. Punk has previously acknowledged Roufus’s influence and recently honored him after the coach’s passing.
Punk’s reflection is consistent with a broader MMA reality: the sport rewards years of early specialization. His case has fueled debate among fans and pundits about crossover athletes and the realistic expectations for performers moving from pro wrestling to elite MMA.
What this means for crossover athletes
Punk’s experience is a cautionary note for other celebrities or athletes contemplating late entries into MMA. While crossovers can generate interest and compelling storylines, sustained success usually requires early technical development and many years of focused training.
CM Punk’s willingness to try the Octagon remains a talking point across wrestling and MMA communities. He may have concluded his UFC chapter, but his openness about timing, training, and respect for the sport adds an honest page to his wider career.
Embedded post: Watch CM Punk’s interview on Chef Donny’s “What’s For Lunch” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti1sMz7mz4Y
Image Referance: https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/12/12/cm-punk-admits-massive-mistake-that-meant-his-ufc-career-was-destined-to-fail/