Trending News|February 03, 2015 04:32 EST
CM Punk UFC Career News: Support Grows for Former 'Straight Edge' WWE Wrestler
The UFC's signing of former WWE superstar CM Punk last December was met by a lot of criticism (to say the least) by both fans and fighters in the MMA world. Recently, though, a couple of respected individuals in MMA voiced their support for the crossover athlete.
According to Bloody Elbow, former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion Muhammed Lawal revealed that he had watched Phil Brooks train at Duke Roufus' gym in Milwaukee, and had good words for the new UFC recruit.
"I think he'll be ok. The fact that he's passionate about it, willing to learn, and he's a student, makes me think that he's going to be good, because I've never seen anyone that's' so passionate about something and is willing to learn, be a failure," Lawal told Submission Radio.
"I didn't get to train with him. I just watched him train, and he moves like a jiu-jitsu guy. Everything about him screams jiu-jitsu," added 'King Mo'.
Earlier in the year, as reported by MMA Junkie, UFC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis also expressed optimism that his Roufusport teammate will have some success in the MMA arena.
Said the lightweight champion, "He said, "I'm not coming in with any ego. I want you to tell me when I'm ready. And when you guys think I'm ready, that's when I'm ready.' That shows me that he's going to do great in the sport."
CM Punk has said he expects to find out which weight class he'll compete in midway through 2015. The UFC import is deciding between welterweight and middleweight.
Bobby Lashley, who outside of Brock Lesnar, is one of the best pro wrestling to MMA tales, also expressed his faith in Brook's abilities.
"He's going to be in the UFC and he's going to surprise a whole bunch of people, and I think he's going to beat people he's not supposed to beat," said Lashley, who previously fought in Strikeforce, and is currently 2-0 under Bellator.
"He's here to fight. I know he's training his a** off, and he's going to prove to people that he's here to do martial arts, and that he's not just there as someone who wants to live off the glory of the UFC."
