Joe Rogan expressed surprise regarding CM Punk`s performance during what turned out to be Punk`s final UFC bout, a fight later officially removed from his professional record.
CM Punk`s signing by the UFC in 2014 was considered a major event in the sport, largely due to his significant fame as a WWE star.
At that point, Brock Lesnar was the only other WWE star who had transitioned to the top MMA promotion, remarkably going on to become UFC Heavyweight Champion.
While Punk`s first UFC appearance against Mickey Gall at UFC 203 wasn`t successful, his second fight, facing Mike Jackson, saw the former wrestler impress UFC personality Joe Rogan.
Joe Rogan`s Reaction to CM Punk`s Last UFC Fight
Following his challenging debut loss to Gall, Punk returned over two years later to fight in his hometown of Chicago at UFC 225, where he faced Mike Jackson.
Unlike Gall, who was primarily known for grappling, Jackson was more of a striker, which was seen as potentially offering Punk a better opportunity in this second bout.
After a strong reception from the Chicago crowd during his entrance and Bruce Buffer`s introductions, Punk began the fight seemingly comfortable, which surprised Rogan.
Commentating on the early moments, Rogan remarked, “He looks calm on the feet. I like what I’m seeing, nice leg kicks by CM Punk.”
Despite Punk`s initial composure, Jackson soon took control, landing significant strikes as Punk tried to utilize leg kicks.
As the crowd chanted Punk`s name, Rogan exclaimed, “Listen to the crowd! They’re getting into this!”
Rogan added, “He’s tough, he has to be tough to take a fight like this on a UFC PPV, it’s crazy.”
Towards the end of the first round, Punk secured a takedown, which Rogan felt might have been enough for Punk to win his first round in the promotion.
However, for Punk and his supporters, the final two rounds saw Jackson largely dominate, outstriking Punk and controlling him on the ground.
Fight Result Overturned Years Later
Despite the clear loss to Jackson, officially known as ‘The Truth’, it was announced over three years later that the result was changed to a no-contest because Jackson failed a drug test for marijuana.
This rule regarding marijuana has since been removed by the UFC. It`s worth noting that this same rule led to a significant suspension for Nick Diaz in the past.
Although Punk had signed a multi-fight contract, UFC President Dana White publicly advised against him fighting in MMA again after the Jackson bout. Punk formally informed the UFC of his retirement in 2021.
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