Say what you might about the WWE, but one thing is for sure: it’s wrestlers are incredibly well trained in the art of speechifying. After losing his MMA debut at UFC 203 on Saturday night, pro-wrestling legend CM Punk gave an inspirational monologue for the ages.
''I know there's a lot of doubters, but, listen, life's about falling down and getting up. It doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down, it's about getting back up.''
Following the weeks of hype leading up to the welterweight fight, Punk survived less than three minutes into the first round before being submitted by 24-year-old Mickey Gall.
Punk remained eloquent in his emotional post-fight press conference, especially when addressing a question regarding the support he receives from his wife, former pro wrestler AJ Lee.
Despite being disappointed with the outcome, the 37-year-old walked away from the fight with a $500,000 purse (compared to $30,000 for Gall).
ANY GIVEN SATURDAY
While Punk’s MMA chops clearly need seasoning, his promotional and speaking skills already rank among the UFC’s best ever. Only fellow WWE-crossover Brock Lesnar, and supremely-confident Conor McGregor can command a crowd as capably as the 37-year-old.
Punk’s speech from the octagon in Cleveland was so polished, it seemed as if it had been lifted from the pages of a movie script. If an MMA-themed remake of Any Given Sunday is ever made (perhaps, Any Given Saturday?), the producers know who to get to play Al Pacino’s part…
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