CM Punk reflects on his time in the UFC, acknowledging the significant criticism he faced during his transition from professional wrestling to mixed martial arts. However, he maintains that his journey was not about silencing skeptics, but rather about pursuing a lifelong dream.
In a candid cooking segment on What’s For Lunch with Chef Donnie, Punk prepared Italian beef in his native Chicago and discussed the challenges he encountered moving into MMA. He described the experience as a steep learning curve, driven by his passion for the sport. “I got offered an opportunity and I said yes,” he explained, embodying his philosophy of embracing life’s possibilities.
Despite a mixed result in his MMA career, Punk expressed that his reasons for stepping into the cage were profoundly personal. He shared a sense of regret about not starting sooner, noting, “I was already old” by the time he began his journey at 35, comparing it to trying to start a career in the NFL at the same age.
Punk emphasized that his decision was not a mere bucket list item but a serious commitment. “I worked my ass off, got into shape… did what I could, but yeah, I started way late,” he stated. This determination to push boundaries, even later in life, illustrates his relentless drive and dedication.
Although he didn’t achieve a championship title in the UFC, the experiences gained during his time in the sport have profoundly influenced his career. Now thriving in WWE, Punk has found peace with the risks he took and the lessons he gathered beyond the wrestling ring. His narrative highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passions, regardless of age or perceived challenges.