Former professional wrestler CM Punk made his long-awaited UFC debut on Saturday night against Mickey Gall at UFC 203.
He joined Brock Lesnar as the only pro wrestlers to make the transition from the WWE to the UFC.
Unfortunately for Punk, he did not enjoy the same success in his first fight as Lesnar did in his, losing to Gall by submission at 2:45 in the first round.
His willingness to step into the Octagon earned Punk the respect of many in and around the sport, as well as some of Punk's former pro wrestling colleagues, and plenty of observers reacted on social media when the fight was over.
@CMPunk lotta heart tonight. @mickeygall is the real deal. In a few years his name will still be making waves in @ufc kids gonna be around
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 11, 2016
No matter what happens @CMPunk made that walk only few have made. And he's stepping in that octagon. Huge props. No one can hate #UFC203
— Michael McDonald (@MaydayMcDonald) September 11, 2016
That went as expected. It's tough to be in that cage though... and @CMPunk did something a lot of people wouldn't. #UFC203 #FreshCauliflower
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) September 11, 2016
! Respect Punks courage to put himself out there but there's a reason for armatures , Pros , ect . . gotta go thru the process like every1
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) September 11, 2016
Mad respect @CMPunk walked into the fire for an education takes a man to chase the dream you came you saw #CultOfPersonality #UFC203
— Tyrus (@BrodusClay) September 11, 2016
CM Punk got a lot of heart for stepping in there #UFC203
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) September 11, 2016
congrats @mickeygall @cmpunk you win some and lose some #keepyourheadup
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) September 11, 2016
No matter what anyone says @CMPunk got in there and went for it. He took some shots and fought a choke to the best of his ability. Respect.
— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) September 11, 2016
👏👏👏👏... Good after fight speech @CMPunk! 👊 I'm a fan!
— Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) September 11, 2016
. @CMPunk Thanks for stepping in the octagon #respect #UFC203 @ufc
— BJ PENN (@bjpenndotcom) September 11, 2016
Stand up, dust off, onto the next one. Love you good brother.
— S.J. (@SamoaJoe) September 11, 2016
Don't worry amigo @CMPunk it's all good, you'll be back stronger...
— Alberto Del Rio (@VivaDelRio) September 11, 2016
No pasa nada amigo, regresaras a lo grande #muchrespect
CM Punk should absolutely be respected. What a cool guy! Mickey Gall is a tough kid and he's smart. Excellent post fight speeches! #UFC203
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) September 11, 2016
People hating on @CMPunk are people who don't have the guts to do what he's doing #UFC203 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #Blockthehate https://t.co/R2GOLvdWbO
— nodaysoff D-Young (@DarrenYoungWWE) September 11, 2016
These words are going to stay with me for a while. I'm proud of @CMPunk for taking a risk, for making a statement. https://t.co/EjGTX5jPyu
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) September 11, 2016
Keep yo head up @CMPunk! Damn what people say! They gone say what they wanna say any way, #Support👍🏾
— WWE R-Truth (@RonKillings) September 11, 2016
damn. @CMPunk took a huge risk to do something he dreamed of. No shame in that-#respect #commitment
— John Morrison (@TheRealMorrison) September 11, 2016
