Ben Askren on CM Punk: 'He comes in, works hard every single day'

A target was put on Phil “CM Punk” Brooks’ back from the second the UFC announced they had signed him to fight for real in the promotion’s octagon.

ONE FC welterweight Ben Askren is one of the people helping Punk meet the challenge ahead, working with the former pro wrestler at the Roufusport academy in Milwaukee.

Askren (14-0), 30, is an MMA fighter and expert wrestler, having transitioned to the cage after a decorated career on the mat with two NCAA titles and a trip to the 2008 Olympics.

He said he gets asked a lot about people wanting to know what Brooks has got.

“When someone decides to come into the UFC and they don’t have a combat sports background, you’re kind of thinking, does he really understand what he’s getting into?” Askren told MMAjunkie. “But I think he gets it. I think he’s taking it very seriously.”

Punk (0-0), 36, was a champion in staged fighting, but he has also studied Brazilian jiu-jitsu and taekwondo. He has never fought professionally, though, which has led many to believe his signing by the UFC is more of a PR stunt than a concerted effort to find the next title contender.

The questions about how much Brooks can adapt to his new profession could be answered later this year, when he is loosely targeted to make his UFC debut. Almost from the second he was signed, there was speculation as to who the promotion would pair him with and whether his opponent would be a legitimate fighter.

“Obviously, they’re not going to start him off against one of the higher-ranked guys, but they don’t do that to anybody,” Askren said. “There will be someone good.”

Askren applauds Punk’s dedication in the gym, though, and said the former pro wrestler isn’t one to be dismissed outright.

“I don’t see why he can’t compete,” Askren said.

Check out the video above to hear more from Askren on Punk’s fighting chances.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site