WWE Star CM Punk Explains Why He Doesn't Regret UFC Career
William Smith
Published Mar 27, 2026
Highlights
- UFC wrestler CM Punk was financially rewarded but never secured a win in his two matches.
- Punk felt no regret taking the chance at UFC and is now back in the wrestling scene.
- Despite his losses, Punk continues to chase his dreams and stays connected to MMA as a commentator.
WWE sensation CM Punk couldn't secure a win during his brief yet financially rewarding tenure in the UFC, but he harbors no regrets for taking the chance. As previously reported by The Sportster, Punk pocketed more than $1 million for his first UFC bout against Mickey Gall at UFC 203.
Punk competed in the Welterweight division in the UFC and debuted at the same venue where Punk left WWE and retired from professional wrestling. He has two fights with the organisation before returning to wrestling.
Punk made an appearance at UFC 298 event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California over hte weekend to watch Alexander Volkanovski defend his title against Ilia Topuria. During an interview with UFC broadcast partner Sportsnet after the pay-per-view card, where he made his comments about his MMA career.
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In an interview with Aaron Bronsteter, Punk gave his review of UFC 298 and opened up about his UFC career. He was asked about his promise never to wrestle again after his final UFC fight then said the following.
“You never say never,” Punk said when referring to his return to wrestling, continuing. “Who thought I would’ve ever fought in the UFC? I was afforded an opportunity by Lorenzo [Fertitta] and Dana [White], and I would be kicking myself to this day if I said no.”
“I’m not a guy who lives with regret. I will seize opportunities whether people somebody on the internet believe I deserve them or not. I work hard for my dreams, and I will always chase them. I think a lot of clouds parted, and time heals all wounds, so when it came back to wrestling, it was the right time.”
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Punk participated in two UFC fights. He faced defeat against Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in September 2016 and was submitted in the first round without a striking exchange.
He later suffered a unanimous decision loss to Mike Jackson almost two years later at UFC 225. While he showed heart in the fight, it was a one-sided beatdown at the hands of Jackson. However, the outcome was changed to a no-contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana.
Punk stayed connected to the sport by taking on the role of an MMA commentator for Cage Fury Fighting Championships in 2018. It is unclear if he still trains in mixed martial arts.
