CM Punk underwent back surgery this past Wednesday to correct a herniated disc, an injury Punk says dates back to his days as a pro wrestler. Mickey Gall, the man who earned the right to be Punk’s first UFC opponent, spoke with MMAFighting.com about the fight being delayed and when it could took place.
Gall said he started getting nervous that the fight would not take place, but UFC President Dana White told him the recovery from the surgery is just four weeks. While no date had been set for their fight, Gall says he is hopeful that the delay could result in the fight taking place at UFC 200 this July.
Initial plans were to have CM Punk’s debut take place on a lower-profile show, which would allow UFC to effectively gauge Punk’s drawing power (without having to compete against the other big fights that will headline UFC 200).