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WWE star CM Punk has done an admirable job sidestepping professional wrestling questions since he signed with the UFC in December.
Grilled over his past in nearly every media appearance done to promote his new career, Punk has artfully avoided having to explain what his time in the ring will lend to fighting.
Speaking about MMA and pro wrestling with Wisconsin's WISports, Punk says the two "are quite similar."
"I think MMA is pro wrestling," said Punk. "If you go back to the early 1900's and the whole genesis of professional wrestling, and then you go back to the early beginnings of MMA, it was all pro wrestlers."
According to Punk, much of MMA's success is due to 'attractions,' not unlike in professional wrestling.
"The characters, the action, the media, the mouths," said Punk. "There's a reason people are interested in this, whether it's good or it's bad, whether they love me or they hate me."
Punk says he's also been offered help from another athlete who made the jump from WWE to professional fighting, former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.
"I've talked to him and he's offered all his help, even if it's just bug him with a stupid question," said Punk. "It's cool to know he supports me. He's a good guy to know, I think."
Asked whether a return to pro wrestling could be in his future, Punk says "it hasn't crossed his mind."
"I don't think about it at all," Punk said. "I don't want to say one track minded, I'm very focused and goal-oriented. I did everything I could in pro wrestling. I don't like going backwards. I have, what I think is, a very bright future."
As for when we may see him make his Octagon debut, Punk's best guess is sometime between October and December, but possibly even later.
"I'm not sure," Punk said. "My attitude is I'd fight tomorrow, but I'd pretty much know the outcome. I'm on an accelerated path. This is college and I'm cramming four years of college into one year."
Training alongside veterans like Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren and UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at Milwaukee's Roufusport camp, Punk says his debut depends on a few different factors.
"I've been here a little over one month now," said Punk. "Five more months we're going to sit down and we're going to talk, and we're going to see where my weight's at, we're going to see how I feel. It's no longer just up to me. It's up to my coaches."
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Bendo. Chuck Mindenhall explains why Benson Henderson is more than just your average, everyday huckleberry.
Out of options. UFC president Dana White jokingly remarks that UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey 'will have to start fighting men' if she cruises past No. 1 contender Cat Zingano.
All mapped out. Khabib Nurmagomedov says he wants to beat Donald Cerrone at UFC 187 in May, then take UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis' belt and defend it all before year's end.
'She's there, because I'm not yet.' Cat Zingano is ready to send Ronda Rousey on her way. 'She's never seen or had to deal with anyone like me before.'
Deadpool. Women's MMA pioneer Gina Carano has landed a role in the superhero movie alongside Ryan Reynolds.
MEDIA STEW
Highlights and interviews from Ben Henderson vs. Brandon Thatch.
Presser highlights from UFC Fight Night: Broomfield. (Full presser here)
Dana White impressed with Henderson at 170, talks Holloway vs. Swanson, Rousey fighting men, PEDs.
Al Iaquinta takes a post-fight trip to compete in a grappling tourney.
Behind the scenes at GLORY 19.
Luke is pissed about Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, James Dolan, and more.
Long watches.
Joe Rogan Experience - Fight Companion - February 14, 2015
...
Mentality of Combat Sports - PEDs with Sports Psychologist Dave Mullins
TWEETS
See how the pros reacted to UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch.
Victory lap.
.@LarryFitzgerald @SportsCenter appreciate it Fitz...
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) February 15, 2015
"@TheMMALAB: @effyescudero @BensonHenderson @DIESELRIGGSMMA lol pic.twitter.com/wzr7vN6nnh" love it...
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) February 15, 2015
Colorado is been fun! Heading back to the island now! Thank you all for the support you don't know how much it means to me! #teamblessed
— Jerome-Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 15, 2015
"@ufc: Welterweight @NeilMagny earned his sixth straight win inside the Octagon. Who's NEXT pic.twitter.com/oAXs5AkL5l" @FonzieDYC @Smart_Stop
— Neil Magny (@NeilMagny) February 15, 2015
Very disappointed I didn't get that bonus but I tried to put on a good fight for the people, even with the injury early. @ufc @danawhite
— Kevin Lee (@MoTownPhenom) February 15, 2015
We came, we saw and we conquered! Thank you to my sponsors, @dcmouthguards http://t.co/Qq4FzSXXEj,... http://t.co/k5vJtD8JyU
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) February 15, 2015
Wow I feel like I got into a fight last night lol I'm sore lol big thx to my opponent in which he was freaked big lol
— Efrain Escudero (@effyescudero) February 15, 2015
Better luck next time.
Had so much fun last night! Love my life. Thanks for the support:)
— Brandon Thatch (@RUKUSMMA303) February 15, 2015
Cut went down to the bone. Still a little blurry from the blood running into it or maybe that's just... http://t.co/iPFYgVTqKp
— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) February 15, 2015
Lost the game.
Thank you for your support.
I think you want anti-flux migration from this defeat.
Cloth disappeared not costed.
I think and want to come back and learn from the defeat.
Really thank you cheer. Male! - via BING
試合負けました。 応援ありがとうございました。 この敗戦からはい上がりたいと思います。 負けましたが闘士は消えてません。 敗北から色々と学んでカムバックしたいと思います。 本当に応援ありがとうございました。 おす！
— ストラッサー起一 (@StrasserKiichi) February 15, 2015
Didn't get it done tonight. Not disappointed I lost just upset I didn't pull the trigger on the game plan. Thanks for the support! #NextTime
— Chris Kelades (@keladesmma) February 15, 2015
Thank you for all the support. I have a lot to work on and I will be back. Time to spend time with my lil monkey now though. #UFCBroomfield
— Jim Alers (@fightJim) February 15, 2015
@TheJamesKrause @TElliott125 pic.twitter.com/wKLt0RLqDe
— well.... (@DrivingDreamsTn) February 15, 2015
Here we go.
signed contract to fight some guy today was dad and uncle my opponent probably drinking right now @lorenzofertitta pic.twitter.com/vQxzXNzR8I
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) February 15, 2015
Last day of jumping off shit. Before I have to drive home. http://t.co/PNcSsRcGKD
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) February 15, 2015
Dropping Knowledge.
Mental Training #DroppingKnowledgeJustSaying http://t.co/4K4FyTISln
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) February 15, 2015
TUF Japan vs. Gomi?
ベンヘンすげぇな！！ 俺もライト級でも戦えるぜ！ TUFJAPAN俺と五味のコーチ対決でいいじゃん！
— 川尻達也tatsuya kawajiri (@CRUSHER_MMA) February 15, 2015
#believe
Benson has me thinking I wanna do the Jones-Rumble staredown... #inspired
— Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) February 15, 2015
Fighting a weight class up and winning, all with a toothpick in your mouth.. Mmmmhhhh pretty cool ha @BensonHenderson
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) February 16, 2015
@BensonHenderson so I'm gonna talk about you tomorrow did have the tooth pick in during your fight or was that a hair you were getting?
— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) February 16, 2015
Congrats @BensonHenderson nice RNC. @WECNeverForget
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) February 15, 2015
ICYMI.
Hadouken!! https://t.co/xEjWUQvS6J #StreetFighter
— UFC Insiders (@UFCInsiders) February 13, 2015
Varied experiences.
I'd say I had a pretty bad awesome valentines day with my girl @ramanda42 pic.twitter.com/tEBPzFNWWy
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) February 15, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced this weekend (Feb. 13-15 2015)
Max Holloway vs. Cub Swanson at UFC on FOX 15
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today's Fanpost of the Day comes via MikeMorganMMA
In the run up to Valentines Day #WHOATV asked a selection of fighters in various promotions their opinions on sex before a fight. Newly signed UFC prospect Joseph Duffy, Bellator's Michael 'Venom' Page and One FC's Chi Lewis-Parry all wade in with their opinions.
...
Check out the rest of the post here.
Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.
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