CLEVELAND (AP) – Former pro wrestling superstar CM Punk’s debut in mixed martial arts lasted just over two minutes.
Punk, who left WWE two years ago to try his hand in ultimate fighting, tapped out after he was pummeled and choked by Mickey Gall in the first round Saturday night on the UFC 203 undercard.
The 38-year-old Punk was on his back less than 10 seconds into the fight. Pinned up against the octagon’s cage, he was unable to get out from under Gall, who landed numerous blows to both sides of Punk’s head.
Following the bout, Punk said he plans to continue fighting.
Punk’s first fight in mixed martial arts was on the undercard of heavyweight Stipe Miocic’s title defense against Alistair Overeem, who will have to battle both the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder Clevelander and a sellout crowd of more than 20,000 rooting against him.