Former WWE Champion turned UFC welterweight CM Punk finally has an opponent for his debut fight.

On Wednesday night, during an appearance on TSN’s “Off the Record,” UFC President Dana White revealed the promotion was targeting a matchup between Punk, real name Phil Brooks, and UFC newcomer Mickey Gall.

Gall (1-0), a Millers Brothers MMA product, most recently made waves during his appearance on White’s YouTube series “Looking For a Fight.” During the episode, the New Jersey native walked away with an impressive first round submission over Ron Templeton. Almost immediately, Gall took to the mic and called out the former WWE superstar.

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

Wish granted.

Now for the catch.

White went on to reveal the only thing standing in the way of a matchup between Brooks and Gall is unknown fighter Michael Jackson.

“I’m bringing in Mickey Gall and he’s going to fight a guy named Michael Jackson,” white told TSN.”They’re going to fight on the prelims on Feb. 6 on Fight Pass. If he wins that fight, Mickey Gall will fight CM Punk. CM Punk will be there to watch.

“He’s holding a lottery ticket with really good odds of winning the lottery right now. Like you said, he’s got to get through this fight [against Jackson] and it’s going to be a life changer for this kid.”

Jackson (0-0), a California native, has yet to make his professional debut but does hold a record of 6-6 as an amateur. He most recently suffered a third-round knockout to Sergio Perez in November.

UFC Fight Night 196 is currently scheduled to take place on Feb. 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. A heavyweight title fight rematch between reigning champion Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez will headline the card.

Here is how the rest of the card is shaping up:

About The Author

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José began his career as a mixed martial arts journalist while still enrolled at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University. Since graduating in May 2013, he has attended dozens of high profile UFC fight cards as a credentialed member of the media, providing live cage side coverage through his articles and videos. His work has appeared on UFC.com, ArizonaSports.com and AZCentral. He is also currently one of the main contributors on Power MMA Show at Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, one of the first all MMA radio shows on a major radio station.