Ohio Athletic Commission justifies giving CM Punk license to fight

With less than a week until CM Punk makes his highly anticipated UFC debut against Mickey Gall on the main card of UFC 203, many have begun to question the Ohio State Athletic Commission’s decision to grant Punk, real name Phil Brooks, the license to fight on Saturday.

Fox Sports released several episodes of the mini docu-series, which led to some MMA fans voicing concern for Punk’s wellbeing as he steps into the Octagon against the undefeated Mickey Gall.

The Ohio State Athletic Commission, which requires a minimum of 5 amateur bouts to be granted a license, granted Punk the license after he appealed the rule to fight at UFC 203 because of the license given to former WWE superstar Brock Lesnar to fight in the Octagon.

Executive Director of the Ohio Athletic Commission, Bernie Profato, spoke to MMAFighting to justify their decision to license Punk, saying:

“CM Punk has a wrestling background similar to Brock Lesner being permitted to fight in the past,”

“There was also confidence in the matchmaker from the UFC and the past bouts he has submitted in previous UFC events in Ohio,”

Lesnar entered the MMA world back in 2007, winning just one fight before being signed by the UFC in 2008. Lesnar went on to win the UFC heavyweight championship, before returning to the WWE after back to back losses.

Lesnar returned to the Octagon earlier this year at UFC 200, where he faced Mark Hunt. Lesnar won the fight, however it was revealed post-fight that he had failed an out-of-competition pre-fight drug test, in addition to a fight night drug test.