Once it was announced several months ago that CM Punk would make the transition from pro wrestling to mixed martial arts, few expected fighters like Ben Askren to offer any positive feedback on the decision.
However, to the surprise of many, Askren seems to have taken an interest in the former WWE star's development at Roufusport, and was quite complimentary about Punk's work ethic. Yet he still made it clear that Punk has a long way to go before he can become a competitive fighter.
"You know what, he's very disciplined, he's very dedicated, and he works really hard," Askren told Submission Radio. "So it's a pleasure having him in the gym, and obviously he's got a long way to go because he started out of nowhere, right? Being a professional wrestler he didn't really have a background coming into mixed martial arts. So he is getting a lot better, but he's still got a ways to go."
While Askren may have changed his tune on Punk, he insists that his initial concern remains intact, as it does not involve Punk as much as it does the UFC's decision to sign an 0-0 fighter with absolutely no experience in MMA.
"Well those were my honest thoughts about it, and I think those thoughts don't really change; and that's not really a criticism of CM Punk, that was a criticism of the UFC and what they're doing. That being said, CM Punk he had a great opportunity to do something that he wanted to do and it worked out really well for him, and now he gets to compete at something he wants to do. So for him it's all good, but you know my jokes stand and I stand behind those statements still."