Ex-WWE star to make MMA debut at UFC 203
CM Punk has confirmed he will make his UFC debut against Mickey Gall on September 10 in Cleveland.
The ex-WWE star, whose real name is Phil Brooks, joined the UFC in December 2014, but a series of injuries have prevented him from entering the Octagon.
Punk suffered a back injury in February, but doctors have now cleared him to compete at UFC 203.
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After a number of arguments with WWE bosses led to his exit from professional wrestling, Punk joined the UFC despite having limited martial arts experience.
With just a years' training under his belt, Punk says he is ready to embark on the next stage of his career.
"I think there's probably something seriously wrong with me," Punk told UFC Unfiltered podcast.
"Everyone is trying to figure out why I would want to do this. I'm a guy who gets bored easily and I have goals, and there's things in life I enjoy.
"It's not about the destination - it's about the journey."
Gall joined the promotion after being discovered by UFC boss Dana White on the "Lookin' for a Fight" show on UFC Fight Pass.
He made his debut in February, securing a submission victory over Mike Jackson after 45 seconds.
The 24-year-old had been told if beat Jackson he could face Punk and the fight is now on.
UFC 203 will be co-headlined by a heavyweight title fight between champion Stipe Miocic and challenger Alistair Overeem.
Ex-heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum faces Ben Rothwell in the other main event, while Russian fighter Mairbek Taisumov will take on Nik Lentz in a welterweight contest.
