Morning Report: Dana White using his reality show to scout opponents for CM Punk's UFC debut

04.12.2015 16:00

mmafighting.com

Nearly a year ago to the day, former WWE star CM Punk appeared at UFC 181 in Las Vegas, Nevada to announce his signing with the UFC.

We didn't have too many details at the time. Punk didn't have a camp, a weight class or an opponent. Now a welterweight training at Roufusport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Punk is still waiting on a dance partner.

Fighters from every weight class -- and both genders -- jumped at the chance to spoil the celebrity fantasy camp, but UFC president Dana White wants multiple fights out of Punk.

In January UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said Punk would face "a competitive guy MMA media will know," while White aimed lower shooting for "a guy who is 1-0, 1-1, 2-1."

Well, it looks like White might win out.

"I just started a new show," White told TSN's Michael Landsberg. "The pilot is on YouTube. It's called, 'Dana White: Looking for a fight.' I'm actually out looking for opponents for CM Punk right now."

So where in the world is Dana White scouting right now? He's actually in Wichita, Kansas for Evolution Fighting Championship 2. The card only has five professional bouts, but two of them happen to be around 170 pounds.

Chris Harris (3-0) fights Derrick Adkins (5-1) at welterweight while Manual Meraz (6-1) takes on Cody Sherwood (3-3) at a 175 pound catchweight. [If you plan on attending, send us back a scouting report.]

Asked if he really believed Punk would be ready to go in 2015, White admits he wasn't so sure. In October, coach Duke Roufus told ESPN that an injured shoulder would push Punk's UFC debut back another six to 10 months.

"I didn't know," said White. "It's the first time this guy has ever trained to fight. The guy has never wrestled. He 'professional wrestled' but he's never wrestled. He will fight next year. 100 percent."

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TWEETS

You think?

@LukeRockhold #dontjointheteam what do think if Weidman being so light 2 weeks out if the fight #ufc194
— Kyle Goss (@kylegoss13) December 3, 2015

I like it. Weight cut is in his head #dontjointheteam https://t.co/E3ZbXr6UBo
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) December 4, 2015

Weird spot.

I'll carry the work ethic of the Challenger but know that I am a champion https://t.co/tkvtIp531R
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) December 4, 2015

Simmer down.

@Benaskren @mookiealexander beep beep beep. Hey Tyron we need you to kick Carlos A again! Cool let me pic my beard and I'll be right down
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) December 4, 2015

Hey guys.......I'm still here always dependable and ready @Ufc pic.twitter.com/45wmaUaZlj
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) December 4, 2015

Planning to evade?

Some evasive work today with Owen Roddy! #HardWork #CleanWork pic.twitter.com/0MLWH4XByP
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: I

@ZProphet_MMA @rizin_PR I have been chasing this dream for a decade and will fight him anywhere. set it up rizin-san
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Stick with giant belt.

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— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) December 4, 2015

Pretty good group.

Bam! jonnybones @jacksonwinkmma ... Next up ... @cowboycerrone I can't say it enough. Im so proud... https://t.co/TfnPDwvdEV
— Holly Holm (@HollyHolm) December 3, 2015

The only way to golf.