Mike Jackson has “nothing but respect” for CM Punk, praises foe’s heart

Last night, in the opener of the UFC 225 main card, Mike Jackson picked up a lopsided decision win over former pro wrestler CM Punk.

Despite the fact that Punk seemed to have very little to offer Jackson in this fight, the former WWE star’s heart impressed onlookers worldwide. Apparently, it also impressed Jackson.

Jackson heaped praise on his vanquished foe in a classy post-fight statement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj2TJwplmRh/

“Last night was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget,” Jackson said of the bout in a statement on Instagram. “Let me start by thanking [CM Punk] for the opportunity, I’m aware I wouldn’t be here without him. As I’ve said in multiple times, and to the man himself, I have nothing but respect for Phil. He has done something that many would NEVER consider doing; his heart could fill the United Center.”

“As far as the fight, I hit him with some heat and looked to finish the fight in the 1st, but he kept coming. I made the right play and played it smart, knowing the circumstances I was in and what was at stake if I were to lose.”

“As I anticipated, I played the heel coming into Chicago, and looks like I’ll continue being the heel once I’m gone. Many have misinterpreted what I said in my post fight interview with [Joe Rogan], that’s your opinion and I can’t help that. ”

While Jackson was absolutely dominant against Punk, he did not impress UFC President Dana White, who assured his days in the UFC’s Octagon are over.

“[Punk] got clipped a lot in that fight, and it looked like he was hurt,” White said post-fight (via MMAjunkie.com). “Michael Jackson I’m not happy with. This guy was acting like a goofball tonight. You get this opportunity to fight CM Punk, and you’re doing, like, bolo punches to the body on top. Never looked like he was trying to finish the fight ever. Looked like he could have finished the fight a few times. Never tried.

“I don’t know what that guy did for a living before we gave him the shot, but whatever it was, he needs to go back and do that again. He’s 0-2 as far as I’m concerned.”

What did you think of Mike Jackson and CM Punk’s UFC 225 fight?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/10/2018.