CM Punk Joins UFC, Explains When He Made MMA Career Decision

News broke over the weekend that CM Punk had joined UFC nearly a year after he left WWE. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the Internet after Punk and UFC made the news at the UFC 181 pay-per-view on Saturday.

In an interview with MMAFighting.com's Ariel Helwani, Punk explained when and how he decided to pursue a career in MMA.

"You know I think because obviously the world of pro wrestling somebody picks the winners and the losers and after a while it kinds of wears on you, you know it's a very bipolar business. I would just like to get back what I give and I never felt I got that back. I felt I would be giving 100% and I would get back maybe 30%, you know, and then when your checks start to go down and nothing is fun anymore, it's time to move on.

I realize a lot of people are going to say 'he's 36, he's this, he's that', but, you know, if I was to step in the cage tomorrow, I think the only credit that I could possibly receive is that I had the balls to do it. I have the balls to do it and I also have the wherewithal to prepare for it, so, you know, it's training, training, training, training, and I'm going to be prepared."

Helwani then asked if Punk already had the idea to join MMA in his mind when he left WWE in January, or if the thought only came after he had departed pro wrestling. Punk replied he knew "100%" at that time that he wanted to pursue this new career.

What do you make of Punk's remarks? Let us know in the comments section.