MMA Coach Duke Roufus was recently a guest on The Luke Thomas Show on Sirius XM 93 and discussed former WWE Champion CM Punk’s training for his next UFC fight, and mentions that Punk is doing “200 percent” better than when he last fought Mickey Gall at UFC 203.
“200 percent [better],” said Roufus. “I’m not even his coach. We were friends first before we did this. I would not do this with anyone else except for my friendship with him from before he decided to fight. He’s just one hell of a guy. He’s a celebrity but he’s different than a lot of celebrities I know. Great guy. He works his ass off. He’s very well-liked on our team and he’s improved a lot.”
“Let’s face it, Mickey Gall was a tough draw. He’s done quite well in the UFC so far. I think the UFC did the right thing. We don’t want to defame the sport or damage it by putting him in an un-legitimate fight. That being said, it’s very hard. They want him to come in and beat somebody, ya know?”
“We’re in the process of finishing up the bout agreement and the UFC’s gonna make the announcement soon. It’s a good match on both sides. Can’t confirm what date it is. Obviously we’re hoping it’s Chicago, to join Sergio and a bunch of our other teammates on that card.”
“He’s worked his butt off. Very dedicated guy and I respect him a lot because he comes in and takes his lumps. I’m not saying getting beat up or anything erroneously, but he comes in, he’s tired and he’s exhausted There’s no celebrity about him. He grinds just like everyone else. That’s why he got to the top of the wrestling world and that’s why I respect him so much. I love anyone that has a great attitude and works hard. You help but love them, win lose or draw. This is the fight game and it all comes down to effort most of the time.”
As has been reported, CM Punk is expected to have his next MMA Fight on June 9th when the UFC makes their debut in Chicago, Illinois for UFC 225, which is CM Punk’s hometown.
Currently no information has been made public as to who Punk will be fighting, but it has been rumored that he could fight Mike Jackson, who is the man Mickey Gall defeated to earn the right to face CM Punk in his UFC debut back at UFC 203.
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(H/T MMAFighting.com for the transcriptions.)
