Coach Duke Roufus hints that CM Punk may return to the UFC

Perhaps we haven’t seen the last of CM Punk — real name Phil Brooks — in the UFC.

The former WWE star made his professional MMA debut last year against Mickey Gall, losing — predictably — via first-round submission at UFC 203.

It’s been almost a year since Punk last fought but, according to his coach and mentor, Duke Roufus, the 38-year-old is still training hard in the gym and is determined to make a comeback.

Roufus, a former kickboxing champion who trains the likes of Anthony and Sergio Pettis, hinted that Brooks could be making a return to the Octagon very soon.

The head coach posted a picture of Punk with UFC lightweight fighter John Makdessi, claiming that both men are awaiting fight confirmations.

“Great #laborday training today with the #roufusport Fight Team. We are pleased to welcome #UFC Lightweight #lebanese #canadian #johnmakdessi and always a pleasure having #cmpunk both of them are awaiting fight confirmations.”

Makdessi, 32, hasn’t fought since his KO loss to Lando Vannata at UFC 206. ‘The Bull’ was knocked out with a spectacular wheel kick in the first round.

Punk, a former two-time WWE champion, has no former experience in mixed martial arts and only started training full-time when he signed with the UFC in 2014. Despite signing with the promotion three years ago, Punk’s UFC debut was pushed back to 2016 due to injury.

Bloody Elbow will keep you updated as the story develops.