Ever since WWE superstar CM Punk signed with the UFC, fight fans have been eagerly awaiting his debut. This Saturday, we could find out who his first opponent will be when the 1-0 Mickey Gall makes his UFC debut against fellow rookie Mike Jackson. Dana White has stated that if Gall wins the bout, he’ll be the first to fight Punk in the octagon.
Bet on UFC Fight Night 82 odds at BookMaker.eu
Welterweights
Mickey Gall -505
Mike Jackson +335
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +125, under -165
ODDS ANALYSIS
The odds at BookMaker show Gall as a favorite, but it must have been difficult coming up for money lines for fighters with just one professional fight between them. That’s right, Mike Jackson is making his professional debut - at least Gall has one pro fight on his resume. Still, given the fanfare surrounding Gall, it makes sense that the UFC would give him a beatable opponent.
THE STAKES
For Gall, a matchup against CM Punk is a career-maker. I can’t think of any quicker way to make a name for yourself as a 1-0 fighter than to fight a WWE superstar under MMA rules. There will be a ton of casual interest in the fight, as well as plenty of crossover from wrestling fans all over the world. Jackson has an opportunity to spoil the party and become “the guy who beat the guy who was supposed to face CM Punk.”
POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE
Gall brilliantly put himself in this position by calling out Punk on the UFC Fight Pass reality show, “Looking for a Fight.” Basically, it’s a show where Dana White, Matt Serra and some guy who looks like a hobo travel around eating junk food and scouting fighters in tiny regional promotions.
In the episode, Gall made a successful pro debut and go on the mic and spoke to White, who was sitting in the audience. “Dana White, I don’t know if CM Punk has an opponent, but I would love to fight that man.”
In terms of marketing, it was a genius move by Gall. By giving Gall an opportunity to meet Punk, it gives significance to Fight Pass bout, building an audience for its budding subscription service. It also attracts more viewers to the show itself, by providing fans an opportunity to discover new talent alongside White and his pals.
But most of all, it gives Punk an opportunity to succeed, which would put an extraordinary amount of dollars in the UFC’s pocket. There has been no shortage of vets and stars who have called out Punk, hoping to gain notoriety by scalping a famous 37-year old with zero pro fights.
By pitting him against an opponent that will have just two fights under his belt, it turns the match into a fair fight. The list of UFC fighters who have called out Punk include guys like Michael Bisping, Cathal Pendred and John Howard. Even though Pendred and Howard are mid-level fighters, there is no question they’d destroy a rookie like Punk.
THE EARLY PLAYS
Gall is an easy pick. The UFC wants Gall-Punk to happen, and there’s a good chance that his opponent, Mike Jackson is just a warm body that’s playing the part of a stepping stone. Making this about CM Punk is pretty much a gimmick, but it’s a smart one. Gall should make good in his debut and earn his 15 minutes of fame.
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines at BookMaker Sportsbook and start wagering now. With our live betting options, you can also wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. UFC Fight Night 82 takes place on Saturday, February 6, 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Nevada. The main card will be televised on pay-per-view following the prelims on FOX Sports 1.
