UFC president Dana White has someone in mind for CM Punk’s first opponent inside the Octagon. However, that person will have to overcome one major hurdle first.
White told TSN’s “Off The Record” on Wednesday that Mickey Gall will be Punk’s first opponent, but that’s only if he beats Michael Jackson at UFC 196. And if Gall beats Jackson, he will face Punk at UFC 200, sources told FOX Sports.
“(Gall’s) holding a lottery ticket with really good odds of winning the lottery right now,” White told TSN. “He’s got to get through this fight and yeah, it’s going to be a life changer for this kid.”
If Gall loses, though, White tweeted that Jackson won’t get a fight against Punk.
Gall originally caught White’s eyes when the UFC president was at his professional debut, which was highlighted on the company’s reality series “Looking for a Fight.” After his bout, which he won with a rear-naked choke, Gall called out Punk. He went even further during an interview with FOX Sports.
“I finish CM Punk,” Gall told FOX Sports. I’m not sure if I knock him out or I submit him, but I think it ends and I think it ends in the first round. I’m supremely confident. I think I’m made for this fight, it’s a dream opportunity. I did think I’d get to the UFC one day but didn’t think it would happen this quick, but I’m extremely ready. If this comes to fruition, I’ll be a happy man.”
Punk has been waiting for his first UFC fight since signing with the company in 2014 after leaving the WWE.
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images
