UFC President Dana White 'interested' in 1-0 fighter as opponent for C.M. Punk's debut

Phil “CM Punk” Brooks

Amid a gluttony-filled trip to the East Coast, UFC President Dana White may have found the man who will welcome Phil “CM Punk” Brooks to the UFC.

Mickey Gall, a 1-0 fighter from New Brunswick, N.J., caught White’s ear between runs to Geno’s Steaks in Philadelphia.

White is now “interested” in the newcomer – despite no clear timeline for Brooks’ debut. The UFC executive has said it will take place this year, possibly by mid-year.

White was in the “City of Brotherly Love” filming “Dana White: Looking for a Fight,” the buddy-comedy and talent-search reality show that streams on UFC Fight Pass, when he discovered Gall.

The newcomer quickly submitted his opponent in his professional debut and made the most of the attention.

“Hey Dana White, I don’t know if CM Punk has an opponent,” Gall said afterward in the cage, “but I would love to fight that man.”

White appeared slightly shocked the fighter would make such a request, but told him, “I like where your head’s at” while offering congratulations.

Gall is 2-0 on the amateur circuit and trains with longtime UFC vets Jim and Dan Miller in New Jersey.

Punk (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) suffered a shoulder injury that reportedly delayed his UFC debut. White has urged fans to be patient with the former professional wrestler, who embarked on an MMA career after a falling out with promoter Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.