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It took more than two years since the shocking announcement, but C.M. Punk -- former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar and champion -- tonight (Sat., Sept. 10, 2016) made his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut against one-fight Octagon veteran, Mickey Gall, on UFC 203's pay-per-view (PPV) main card from inside Quickens Loan Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
And it didn't last nearly as long.
Gall wasted zero time getting the fight on his terms, which would be the ground for the Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt. He scored a takedown within the first 10 seconds of the Welterweight match and that more or less signaled the end for Punk, who was overwhelmed by Gall's fury. Gall rained down hard shots along the bottom of the cage as Punk tried to cover up, but it was clear that he was in serious trouble. Gall was able to eventually transition to side control, then full mount, which forced Punk to roll to his belly. Gall immediately went for a rear-naked choke, but Punk was able to escape the submission, but he was unable to escape the abuse -- Gall boxed his ears while draped on his back.
It was all academic from this point forward -- Gall continued to soften up Punk with hard shots then would angle for a choke. Punk hung in for about as long as could be expected, but eventually Gall was able to get a clean squeeze on his throat, forcing a tap from Punk less than three minutes into the match.
Despite the lopsided loss, Punk was defiant in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, declaring that he would not give up his UFC dream. Company President Dana White, his friend, will ultimately make the call on the 37-year-old's fight future inside that Octagon. Gall, meanwhile, used the platform to call out Sage Northcutt, which sounds like yet another very smart decision.
The kid can fight, while the old man still has a lot of work to do.
For complete results from UFC 203: "Miocic vs. Overeem," including play-by-play updates, click here and here.
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