UFC 203: CM Punk vs Mickey Gall expected for Sept. 10 in Cleveland

After a series of setbacks, delays, and punchlines, former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Phil Brooks -- aka "CM Punk" -- will make his Octagon debut at the upcoming UFC 203 pay-per-view (PPV) event inside Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 10, 2016.

Waiting for him will be regional import Mickey Gall.

Brooks (0-0) announced his transition to mixed martial arts (MMA) in late 2014; however, the 37-year-old welterweight was in no hurry to get his hands dirty inside the Octagon. Once he did commit to a debut date, following tutelage from Duke Roufus, injuries kept him at bay.

According to his recent announcement on UFC Unfiltered with Matt Serra and Jim Norton, it sounds like he's all patched up and ready to go.

Gall (2-0), meanwhile, won the "Punk" lottery by choking out fellow upstart Mike Jackson at UFC Fight Night 82 back in February. The 24-year-old grappler wisely opted to ride the pine until his opponent was ready, as opposed to risking his high-profile fight by staying busy.

Early predictions?

Also throwing hands at UFC 203 -- headlined by Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem for the 265-pound strap -- will be heavyweight title hunters Ben Rothwell and Fabricio Werdum, both coming off disappointing losses their last time out. In addition, Jessica Eye and Bethe Correia will hook 'em up for women's bantamweight bragging rights.

Expect more UFC 203 fight card announcements in the coming weeks, if not days.

Stay tuned.