CM Punk Reveals Why He Really Left WWE for UFC

CM Punk knows his time in the UFC came with a lot of criticism—but for him, it was never about proving doubters wrong. It was about doing something he always wanted to try, even if the timing wasn’t perfect.

During a casual kitchen segment on What’s For Lunch with Chef Donnie, the current WWE Champion opened up while cooking Italian beef in his hometown of Chicago. When asked about the jump from pro wrestling to MMA, Punk didn’t sugarcoat the challenges he faced.

“I mean, big learning curve. It’s just something I wanted to do because I love MMA so much. You know what I mean? I got offered an opportunity and I said yes, you know, like that’s kind of how I live my life.”

While the results of his MMA run were mixed, the reason behind it was deeply personal—and reflective.

“I wish I started sooner… that’s the only thing. I started so late. I was already old.”

It wasn’t a gimmick or PR stunt. Punk made it clear he gave it everything he had, even if the odds were stacked.

“It just kind of like a bucket list thing. Doesn’t mean I didn’t take it seriously. I worked my ass off, got into shape… did what I could, but yeah, I started way late.”

He also put into perspective just how unusual it was to start a combat sports career at his age.

“I think I was 35 [when I started in UFC]. I mean, it’s like starting in the NFL when you’re 35.”

CM Punk may not have become a UFC champion, but the experience clearly shaped him. And with his current resurgence in WWE, it’s easy to see that he’s at peace with the risks he took—and the lessons he learned outside the squared circle.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.