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Opinion: Fighting CM Punk was the worst thing to happen to Mickey Gall

Mickey Gall cashed in big by calling out CM Punk, but what initially seemed like an ingenious play has turned into a disastrous long-term investment.

Let me start by saying I think very highly of Gall. Introduced to UFC fans five years ago, the New Jersey native has proved to be talented, intelligent, gritty and ever-evolving. Unfortunately, Gall’s story at this juncture is one of “too much too soon.”

Gall (6-3) made one of the smartest plays the sport has ever seen. Following a sub-three-minute rear-naked choke win in his professional debut — which featured on Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight — Gall looked directly at the UFC President and offered to fight Punk in the pro-wrestler’s mixed martial arts debut.