CM Punk rumors continue to heat up. UFC President Dana White told TMZ on Thursday that he is interested in talking to the former WWE champion about competing in the Octagon.
Punk (real name Phillip Brooks) departed from the WWE earlier this year and his situation with the company ended with a legal settlement last summer, according to Bloody Elbow. The 36-year-old has expressed no interest in going back to professional wrestling any time soon.
White said he wasn't sure if Punk's contractual obligations would keep him from fighting, but he is still interested in having a discussion.
"I don't know if he can fight or anything like that," White said. "...But sure, I wouldn't mind talking to CM Punk."
Punk has been spending his time post-WWE training for MMA with Rener Gracie, who said in January that there was "no telling how successful [Punk] would be if he devoted himself," according to Bleacher Report. The former wrestler also received an invitation from Chael Sonnen years ago to accompany him to a fight, but Vince McMahon wouldn't let him because he believed the UFC was "barbaric."
White also told TMZ about Punk's appreciation for MMA.
"He's a big [MMA] fan, and I like him very much," White said. "He's a great dude."
While Punk's fighting ability has been questioned, he would be the latest example of a fighter with cross-over appeal, as Brock Lesnar, the current WWE champion, had a limited skill set when he debuted in the UFC but became the company's biggest pay-per-view draw.
White has also expressed interested in signing a deal with Lesnar, who's contract with the WWE ends after WrestleMania XXXI, which will take place on Mar. 29, 2015, Bloody Elbow reported. The possibility of Punk and Lesnar squaring off in the Octagon presents a huge money-making opportunity for the UFC.
