*CM Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, has joined UFC
*The 36-year-old professional wrestler admits time is against him
*Brooks: 'My professional wrestling days are over, it's awesome to be here'
*The 36-year-old professional wrestler admits time is against him
*Brooks: 'My professional wrestling days are over, it's awesome to be here'
Professional wrestler CM Punk has signed with UFC.
The announcement was made at UFC 181 on Saturday night, as Robbie Lawler beat Johny Hendricks in their welterweight title rematch.
CM Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, has never competed in mixed martial arts and admits time is not on his side.
'My professional wrestling days are over, it's awesome to be here,' said the 36-year-old. 'This is something I've wanted to do for a long time.
'I have a background in kempo and I’ve been doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu for a long time. This is my new career, 100 per cent. I'm going to go full steam ahead, all systems go after today, and it's going to be fun.
'I have nothing but respect for everybody here at the UFC, everybody who steps in the Octagon to fight. And when it's all said and done, when I'm finished, everybody's going to have to respect me because I have come here to fight.
'I felt like it was now or never. I have a limited window most fighters don't have. I'm either here to win or get my ass kicked.'
He will make his debut next year.
