NAC head: Who CM Punk fights ‘matters a great deal’ in licensing
Bob Bennett: “Money-making potential is not something that goes into our decision making process. We have the health and safety of the fighters in mind.”
While pro wrestling is a very, very tough profession, it is not a combat sport. Thus when Phil “CM Punk” Brooks signed with UFC, some fans wondered whether he could even get licensed to fight.
Elias Cepeda from FOX Sports spoke with Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett and others for about the process.
Because he is 36, Brooks would have to meet the state’s Comprehensive Contestant Requirements, which include a brain MRI without contrast and MRA cerebral circulation. Another factor in licensing would who the UFC selects as his opponent.
UFC president Dana White said explicitly that Brooks would be matched with someone of similar experience.
“The matchup would matter a great deal,” said Bennett, who also expressed confidence in the UFC’s matchmakers.
“We are not going to put someone with no fight experience in the cage against a specialized MMA fighter … if he’s had no prior fights, that’s obviously something that would concern us.”
“Money-making potential is not something that goes into our decision making process. We have the health and safety of the fighters in mind.”
“I would say that it would behoove him to get some amateur fights… Get some amateur fights and get some experience.”
Another route some AC heads take is to solicit the impression of trusted, knowledgeable figures in the MMA community, who have worked out with the fighter in question.
“King Mo” Lawal recently spoke with MMAJunkie, and was positive about Brooks’ prospects.
I just saw him grappling, and he looks like a jiu-jitsu guy, said Lawal. He looks like a brown belt. He moves real well on the mat. He’s real smooth.
So what do you think UG? Who would be a good first matchup for Brooks? You?