CM Punk on MMA Career: 'I'm in this for the long haul'

Phil “CM Punk” Brooks expects to be in the world of mixed martial arts for an extended period of time.

The journey of Phil “CM Punk” Brooks from professional wrestler to mixed martial artist is the biggest draw to UFC 203. With one week left before he makes his debut against Mickey Gall; many are wondering what is next for the former WWE star after the event ends. According to Brooks, he’s in the MMA game for the much longer than many people think.

“I don’t think past this fight,” Brooks said during a UFC 203 conference call. “I’m not focused on who number two is gonna be. But to say it’s one-and-done, I think that’s premature. I’m sure in this for the long haul.”

That is a compelling statement as many people question whether the 37-year old will be able to remain in the sport. This comes after multiple injuries have delayed his MMA debut; along with the combined toll of years’ worth of professional wrestling. Still, Brooks and the UFC have a long-term deal which he expects to complete.

“I’m also old enough and wise enough to know that you never say never,” Brooks said. “I’ve got a decent number of fights on my contract and I’m looking to fulfill it and have fun doing it.”

Brook has been the focal point of promotion heading into this major event. The documentary “The Evolution of Punk,” takes a look into his training camp before this fight and the perception of Brook’s performance in training has left many to wonder how well he will do in the cage. Many sites have him listed as a heavy underdog; sitting at a +250 compared to Gall’s -300. With zero professional fights in his career, he’s well behind the 24-year old and 2-0 Gall. Those facts and perceptions aren’t cutting into Brooks’s confidence as the fight nears.

“I’m a positive guy. I know what I’m good, I know what I’m gonna be good at,” Brooks said. “What I did a year and a half ago doesn’t matter to me.”

UFC 203 is set for September 10 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.