Mike Jackson: 5 Things you must know about CM Punk's next rumored UFC opponent
CM Punk is one stubborn customer. Despite suffering a forgettable loss in his UFC debut against Mickey Gall, the former WWE Superstar's drive to successfully transition from pro wrestling to MMA hasn't diminished.
Luckily for Punk, UFC is in dire need of a star-studded card and as announced by Dana White himself, Punk will fight again inside the Octagon. Dana White and co. are returning to Chicago for UFC 225. It isn't rocket science folks. A hometown return is best for business and for Punk's fortunes too.
Surprisingly and realistically, the longest reigning WWE Champion does stand a good chance of notching up his first pro-MMA win. You ask why? The man who's rumored to face him apparently has a similar skill set and record as the Cult of Personality.
Mike Jackson may not instantly ring a bell but the 32-year-old Texas native could be the talk of the town once the official announcement is made.
Here are a few things you must know about him:
#1 Was one of the original contenders to face CM Punk back in 2016
Johnson's only MMA loss incidentally came against the same man who gave CM Punk a taste of humble pie on his debut, Mickey Gall.
While Gall was scouted through Dana White's Looking For A Fight youtube series, Jackson was recommended to the UFC president by the President of Legacy FC, Mick Maynard, and was pitted against Gall with the opportunity to face Punk on the line.
All Gall needed were just forty five seconds to wrap his arms around Johnson and finish him off with a rear naked choke at UFC Fight Night 82 back in February 2016.
Jackson was subsequently released from the promotion after the solitary loss and has since lobbied for a fight against Punk. He even cut an entertaining pro wrestling promo to further his cause:
Interestingly, Jackson mentioned during the lead up to his fight against Gall that he was never UFC calibre
"This is a business. Phil Brooks, CM Punk, does he belong in the UFC? No. Does myself or Mickey Gall belong in the UFC? No. But you bring Punk in because it's a business deal and you can't throw this kid in there with any other UFC fighter."
Real talk!
Journalist: http://www.mikethetruth.com/,
Wanted to fight Artem Lobov
Photographer and videographer for Legacy FC
Was one of the original opponents for CM Punk, Admitted he was never UFC caliber
Former boxer and kickboxer with a 0-0 record before UFC debut
He started training in 2008, he said, while a college student at the University of Houston, where he recently earned his degree in sociology with a minor in African-American studies. Like a lot of starry-eyed young fighters, he said, he initially hoped to make it to the UFC some day.