The Quicken Loans, Arena in Cleveland, Ohio was lit on fire for an anticipated main-card debut of Phil ‘CM Punk’ Brooks’ inside the octagon. The first to enter the arena was Mickey Gall (2-0) to Hey Mickey. Dana White dismissed his former apprehension for this theme after Gall garnered huge social media support. While CM Punk came out to his usual song Cult of Personality. The atmosphere was completely surreal. Punk looked great during the entrance. Though he did not follow up with his ritualistic yell, “Its clobbering time”, Punk smiled to this opportunity.

During the Friday UFC 203 weigh-ins, Punk had refused to shake hands with an annoyed Gall after an intense stare down. “I’m not here to shake anybody’s hands. I’m here to punch people in the face.” Punk completely sold the fight as a main-eventer even though he’ll go third on the card. This makes it even more of an intrigue to watch. He joins Brock Lesnar and the likes of Dave Bautista, Ken Shamrock and many more to make the transition from sports entertainment to the UFC. Unfortunately for Punk, he did not manage to win his first fight as he, along with many others would have hoped for.

Mickey Gall dominates and submits CM Punk in first-round

Former WWE Champion CM Punk fought after an 18-month of build-up. Punk went straight after Gall. Swing and a miss, and a slightly experienced Mickey Gall, took the Second City Saint in five seconds to the bell. He pummeled and mauled Punk before submitting him to rear-naked-choke in the first round. The ferocity of Gall can be compared to Ronda, but in midst of it all Punk exhibited a lot of endurance, absorbing punches and avoiding several transitions and submissions holds. 

“This is lot worse than not good, this is horrific,” Joe Rogan said. It ended in less than three minutes and Punk had no answers to it. 

As surprising as it may sound, Punk shined bright in this defeat. The 37-year-old may not have the fighting experience but he does have that burning fire, the passion and will to try what most professional wrestlers wouldn’t in his age and at his stage. Punk sounded very positive after the fight, describing it the second best night of his life and he certainly wants to keep going.

Punk received supporting messages from around the world before his fight. Superstars from WWE had previously shown their support with the likes of Seth Rollins and Raw GM Mick Foley who took to UFC Facebook page on Friday to wish Punk. While Hulk Hogan, Lance Storm, ROH Wrestling, Paige and multiple personalities took to twitter for their support.

It was an absolute battering but we know this is not the last of it. Bautista was manhandled in his debut, Brock Lesnar was embarrassed in unusual fashion. Punk was in great shape and he can march ahead.

“In life you go big, or you go home. I just like to take challenges. I may not have scaled the mountain tonight but it doesn’t mean I’m going to give up. I will be back, believe it or not. This is the most fun I’ve had in my life.” – CM Punk

On the other hand Gall who earned his shot to challenge Punk after catching White’s eyes on the TV show Looking For A Fight has his sight set on Sage Northcutt, another high-profile attraction. “I’m no gimmick man. I’m for real. I’m not going f***ing anywhere. Super Sage Northcutt . . . I want to knock that guy’s spikes out of his hair.”

Picture Courtsey: FoxSports, UFC.com