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Phil “Chick Magnet Punk” Brooks is pretty honest about dealing with some pre-fight anxiety. Every fighter deals with fear to some degree; Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Georges St. Pierre have been particularly honest about their struggles. However, Punk’s description seems like it might go beyond standard pre-fight nerves.
It’s a scheduling thing, and it’s an anxiety thing. I’ve got severe anxiety, and I- I’m comfortable in the gym obviously, and I don’t like people wa- like if I was training and someone walked in and started watching, I wouldn’t know and I’d be fine with it, it’s whatever. But, as weird as it sounds, I’ll be fine fighting, but just the training, I don’t know, I’m like a weirdo.
I know, wrestling in front of hundreds of thousands of people in my underwear... but it’s just different. I have anxiety. I barely go to Punk shows any more, you know, because like, being in a crowd of people I’m like ehh [hunches down]. This is starting to freak me out now that I’m thinking about it [points around him]
CM Punk did not workout at open workouts and attributed it to anxiety pic.twitter.com/cby8STfAPv
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 6, 2018
It is always a little surprising that someone used to wrestling in front of thousands, such as Punk, could deal with anxiety, but it’s more common that usually realized, and credit to Punk for opening up about it.
He faces Mike Jackson at UFC 225 this Saturday in the opening bout to the pay-per-view (PPV) main card.
Insomnia
Maybe Punk was really worried Mike Jackson would do this?
Mike Jackson sneaking on the bus to open workouts like pic.twitter.com/c1MPdOXBeM
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) June 6, 2018
When Mike Jackson rolls out of the luggage compartment of the UFC bus during Punk’s open workout. pic.twitter.com/yXG2swZ2o2
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) June 6, 2018
Punk reflects on winning his court battle today.
Good luck to Mike Jackson this weekend as he attempts to show there is a huge difference between a professional -- even a regional professional -- and CM Punk. I may root for Punk in his fight against anxiety, but I’m not rooting for him against Houston’s own this weekend.
Mike Jackson backed Jeremie Holloway to the ropes and landed some good shots R2 at XKO 34 (2017) #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/qPt5QOY28a
— LORD HONKY HUMUNGUS (@Mr_Honky) June 6, 2018
Mickey Gall is picking ‘Chick Magnet’ Punk, though:
Gall added, “Punk lasted 2:14 with me, which is pretty impressive. MJ lasted only :45. Punk has almost triple the time of ufc experience.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 6, 2018
Sir Bobby Knuckles is ready for everything -- knee attacks, wrestling, a different approach from the “Soldier of God” -- except Yoel Romero’s kiss.
The Champ is prepared for everything...except a Romero kiss . pic.twitter.com/7gF4WA60W4
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) June 7, 2018
Eddie Alvarez is REALLY not happy with the weigh ins being changed back to their later time. He’s got plenty of fighter support on this- more fighters miss weight, but it gives the ones who do weigh in more time rehydrate. If only there were some kind of way fighters could have a say in these decisions that directly impact all of their health and safety, through some sort of collective bargaining...
Please bossman @danawhite don't get rid of the early Weigh inns. it won't solve a thing . Your punishing the fighters who are accountable and responsible. #dontdoit
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) June 5, 2018
I think he is trying to say- Hey @danawhite , even though it may not be best for your bottom line ( )... early weigh ins are better for fighters health. A few unprofessional fighters may fuck up events but us professionals realize it’s in our best interests. https://t.co/FOPi0qgUE5
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) June 6, 2018
I would be disappointed in the organization I fight for if they change weigh ins without any consideration of their athletes opinion on the matter.
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) June 6, 2018
The fighters would have this input if they had a union ... but wait a second, Eddie thinks standing up to his boss would be “weak.” He’s just lucky to be here.
This is weak , my rights are far from being violated , I am asking not to change the rules that my job requires . I signed up for the job and will follow the rules regardless . I am simply asking . I am lucky to have a job , I am not worried about my "rights "
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) June 5, 2018
Conor McGregor being so close to first, on an opportunity that will be hard to recreate, must irk him. Hopefully, it gets him back into the sport. More likely, though, it’s going to get him to try to set up a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.
Joe Rogan is done with crocodiles and after watching this, so am I.
Carlos Condit getting a workout in the Carlos Condit way!
Gregor Gillespie is still fishing. Caught him some muskie:
Lewis was right to turn off comments for this one, but I gotta say this was very stupid of the kid and very admirable of the cop not to taze him for that throw. He’ll probably pay for it later, though.
Contrast that with this, which seems pretty unconscionable.
What the hell is his bullshit???
— UnsilentMajority (@The_UnSilent_) June 6, 2018
Wanna know why we kneel @realDonaldTrump? pic.twitter.com/x1RwiDpeeR
Who did it better: Violent Bob Ross or “Half-fro Samurai”?
Brad 'Half-fro Samurai' Ragan knows every aspect of combat needs to be perfected. ...Even the post-fight celebration. #ShamrockFC307 pic.twitter.com/ZbOdpMBF8P
— Shamrock FC (@Shamrock_FC) June 6, 2018
No spotter doe ♂️ pic.twitter.com/dIzVAGG6tV
— Luis Antonio Pena (@violentbobross) June 6, 2018
I’m not sure who thought putting two tiny kids into a tire sparring session was a good idea but I did find it hilarious.
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