Fighters Only

Issue 140

April 2016

He’s got an opponent, but fighters and fans have expressed doubts that the former pro wrestler will be able to cut it when the cage door closes.

CM Punk WWE superstar turned MMA novice, aka Phil Brooks - YES

No disrespect to Mike Jackson (Mickey Gall’s first UFC opponent), but he didn’t protect his neck. He was more worried about the hook. I’ve been there. I’ve been in positions where I’ve been trying to punch guys and I need to worry about the submission being locked down, so it doesn’t worry me. The whole thing just excites me. I’m pretty stoked right now.

I will accept criticism from anyone who’s stepped into the Octagon, but I have plenty of friends who are fighters that are encouraging this. That’s more of not listening to the negative and surrounding yourself with positive people.

I’m at it, working my ass off. I have a fight now, I have a face and I have a name. This is what I’ve worked on for a very long time and this is what I’ve wanted to do for an even longer time before that. I’m just excited and happy.

Mickey Gall Lookin’ for a Fight star with one win in the UFC - NO

I always get nervous before fights, but I was working on staying present and being in the moment. I felt great in there. I felt amazing. I saw everything. Dana said: “You seem pretty chill.” I was nervous on the inside, but I felt pretty good.

I could fight next week, but I don’t think CM’s going to be ready. I respect that dude, he’s made himself a superstar, but it’s a big fight for me and I get to beat up a superstar. I checked him out. I’m going to be bigger and stronger and beat up CM Punk in the first round.

He’s a total mystery. All I know is he’s doing wrestling, and clotheslines, they don’t really translate. It doesn’t matter what he’s going to do because I’m going to enforce my game on him and beat him up. He had a beard so I’m not exactly sure where his chin is, but I’ll find it.