The UFC has made a lot of decisions that illegitimize the sport but putting an actor in the Octagon with a year of training is probably the worst of it.
I don't get what the problem is? If Punk doesn't have what it takes, he's gonna get destroyed, simple as that. Despite all of his notoriety and exposure, none of that can help him once the cage for shuts.
The only legitimacy mma needs is the authenticity of the combat, so unless you question that, the legitimacy issue is silly
I know this is an old topic, but... seriously?
I also have serious concerns about his well being. He is 37 with many miles on the body and who knows how much accumulated brain damage. He's never competed at a significant level in any combat sport. Even if they get him a good can to crush I would be worried about him being hurt in a way that everyone will regret.
It depends on the narrative. If he gets destroyed and Rogan goes on a rant about needing to be truly elite to compete in the UFC and you just can't be a celebrity, it helps the UFC.
If he wins, you simply say he trained hard and accomplished his dream and try to give hope to people that want to break into MMA.
UFC is smart enough to not make themselves look bad here. Win or lose, UFC wins.
I don't get what the problem is? If Punk doesn't have what it takes, he's gonna get destroyed, simple as that. Despite all of his notoriety and exposure, none of that can help him once the cage for shuts.
The only legitimacy mma needs is the authenticity of the combat, so unless you question that, the legitimacy issue is silly
Yes it does. And I say that as someone who really likes CM Punk as a pro wrestler. The UFC in theory is the best MMA organization in the world with the best legitimate MMA competitors. CM Punk going straight in and competing undermines this.
Did you know that Randy Couture, Mark Coleman, Dan Severn and a whole host of others were 0-0 when they made their UFC debut?
Well it certainly does not help a sport still looking for legitimization.
But I am not too worried, I just do not plan on watching.
The Ufc seem to being trying to fill a niche between entertainment and a legit sport, he may very well fall into that niche nicely.