Dana White Defends Decision to Put CM Punk on UFC 225 Main Card

Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White has defended the decision to include former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Phil Brooks -- better known as “CM Punk” -- on the UFC 225 main card June 9 in place of some big named fighters, most notably a heavyweight battle between former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem and surging contender Curtis Blaydes.

Punk had his first fight in September 2016 against the young prospect Micky Gall. Punk was completely outclassed in the fight before Gall eventually locked in a rear-naked choke and finished the fight in the opening round. Punk (0-1) will now face Mike Jackson (0-1), who also lost to Gall via submission, as the first fight on the main card.

White talked with reporters during the UFC Fight Night 130 post-fight press conference on Sunday and defended the UFC’s decision to have Punk kick off the main card. White said the bill on June 9 is so stacked he’s had to relegate a host of other well-known fighters such as Rashad Evans, Joseph Benavidez and Clay Guida to the prelims and said that Punk’s drawing power is ultimately the reason why he’s on the main card.

“If that’s the way you want to look at [Alistair Overeem] being ‘demoted’ what is Rashad Evans and [Sergio] Pettis? There’s guys that could be on the main card that are on the Fight Pass prelims,” White said.

“Hey listen, when Alistair Overeem sells as many pay-per-views as CM Punk does, we can argue.”

It’s an ironic turn of events as Punk’s first fight in the UFC back in September 2016 was headlined by Overeem, who took on Stipe Miocic in the main event for the heavyweight title.

White was also quizzed during the press conference if Punk’s future with the UFC was over if he lost against Jackson:

“I’m sure it is [game over for him],” White said.