As part of the process in reopening the door for his old career in pro wrestling, AEW’s CM Punk officially closed the door on his other short-lived career: professional MMA fighter for the UFC.
Punk informed the world’s top MMA organization that he is retiring from MMA, first reported by MMA Fighting on Tuesday.
By retiring, the 42-year-old no longer has to be offered fights in order to keep his contract alive, nor is he subject to drug testing from USADA, the organization’s anti-doping program, He was tested six times last year.
Punk (Phil Brooks) signed with the UFC in 2014, famously making the announcement with Joe Rogan during a UFC pay-per-view, drawing skepticism from both the MMA and pro wrestling worlds as he had no martial arts experience.
Training in Milwaukee, WI, at Roufusport, Pun didn’t debut until September 2016 at UFC 203 where he was defeated by Mickey Gall via first round submission.
Another long absence followed before he challenged Mike Jackson at UFC 225 in June 2018, a fight Punk originally lost by unanimous decision. It was later overturned after Jackson tested positive for marijuana. In subsequent interviews, Punk didn’t show any inclination to return but also didn’t say he was done fighting.
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Punk is still planning on doing commentary with Cage Fury Fighting Championships. He returns to the ring this Sunday at AEW All Out against Darby Allin.