I've said this before, but I actually think Manhoef would also be a good, exciting matchup. Melvin has a glass chin, and Punk would have the grappling advantage.
Punk's BJJ is good enough to survive against one of the top 3 or 4 BJJ artists in the UFC ?
What the fuck are you on seriously ???
Unless Punk is a BJJ marvel he would get subbed in instants if it hits the ground, and concerning the " major edge " that remains to be seen.
He has ZERO fights, we can't know shit about hs stand up apart from the classic teammate/camp hype coming from Roufus and Co.
I'd venture to say he isn't exactly gonna look like an good striker in his first couple of UFC fights, let alone some elite one against a 30 MMA fights veteran..
Thatch doesn't really make sense coming off two embarrassing losses, but I also don't think Punk should be thrown to the wolves against the likes of Woodley, Hendricks, etc.
A guy like Maia makes perfect sense because while Maia is obviously better on the ground, Punk's BJJ is good enough to survive, and on the feet he has a major edge.
Oh, you mean like how Lesnar got totally owned by Frank Mir on the ground at UFC 100? He fucken owned Mir on the GROUND and postured up enough to beat the snot out of a BJJ black belt.
You don't know crap about Punk's chances.
You're the one who's delusional my friend.