CM Punk Was Reportedly Paid Over A Million Dollars for His Disastrous UFC Debut

In December 2014, the wrestling world was stunned when CM Punk, the beloved wrestling legend, revealed his move into the realm of mixed martial arts, particularly the UFC. A multi-fight deal was inked, setting the stage for a high-profile debut.

However, it wasn't until nearly two years later, on that night of September 10, 2016, at UFC 203, that the world saw CM Punk's MMA debut. Opposing Mickey Gall, Punk's foray into the octagonal battleground ended quickly in the first round, with a rear-naked choke submission by Gall at a mere 2 minutes and 14 seconds into the bout.

Now, newly revealed information has shed light on his actual earnings for the fight, which will leave many astounded.

According to Bloody Elbow, and based on unsealed UFC lawsuit documents, Punk raked in a jaw-dropping $1,042,736 for that bout. When you break it down, this equates to a mind-boggling $7,781 per second spent in the octagon.

While CM Punk's UFC venture was undoubtedly a financial windfall, the fight world wasn't the only arena hosting legal battles. In December 2014, a group of MMA fighters, including notable names such as Cung Le, Nate Quarry, and Jon Fitch, united to file a class-action lawsuit against the UFC and its parent company Zuffa LLC. Their claim contends that the UFC employed "improper strategies" to dominate the market for MMA fighter services.

The case is now set for trial on April 8, 2024 after all those years. The legal fight got to this point because a United States District Court Judge in the District of Nevada, Richard F. Boulware, turned the antitrust case into a class-action lawsuit and rejected the UFC's appeal.

In the wake of his firing from AEW, questions loom large over CM Punk's future in the squared circle. With WWE showing little interest and his bridge to AEW seemingly burnt, the wrestling icon’s path is shrouded in uncertainty.