Throwback: What Joe Rogan thought CM Punk should've done to do better than a 0-1-0 MMA record
CM Punk's transition from professional wrestling to mixed martial arts was a bold move that captured the public's imagination. However, the former WWE Champion's UFC career ended in disappointment with two consecutive losses.
During a 2018 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the UFC commentator sat alongside Mark Calaway, better known as 'The Undertaker' and the pair discussed Punk's MMA journey. Rogan acknowledged Punk's courage, but expressed reservations about his decision to jump straight into the UFC without a solid amateur background.
Comparing Punk's situation to Brock Lesnar's successful MMA transition, Calaway highlighted the former UFC heavyweight champion's strong wrestling pedigree. Adding to it, Rogan argued that Punk's lack of combat sports experience was also a significant disadvantage, especially considering his age when he started training for MMA.
The UFC commentator suggested that a more gradual approach and implied that starting as an amateur fighter would have been a better path for Punk if he truly wanted to test himself in the world of mixed martial arts.
"I feel like if somebody really wants to do something like that, what you should do is start as an amateur. I don't know if he had the time because he was deep into his 30s by the time he had his first fight. If you want to do it, the right way is not to jump right into the UFC."
Check out Joe Rogan's comments on CM Punk's UFC career in the video below (3:00):
A look into CM Punk's career arc from the WWE to the UFC
CM Punk achieved immense success in WWE as a six-time world champion. His 434-day reign as WWE Champion remains one of the longest in history.
However, Punk's departure from WWE in 2014 marked a dramatic shift in his career trajectory. Seeking a new challenge, he ventured into the world of mixed martial arts, signing with the UFC. Despite the immense popularity he brought to the sport, Punk's MMA career was short-lived and unsuccessful, with two losses to his name.
After a brief stint as a WWE pundit, Punk returned to professional wrestling in 2021 with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). While he captured the AEW World Championship twice, his tenure was marred by controversies leading to his termination in 2023. A surprising return to WWE followed shortly after.