Phil Brooks, more popularly known as CM Punk in wrestling circles, spoke at length about his recent decision to take up mixed martial arts wrestling by committing to a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) talent discussed with Rolling Stones his plans to improve his skills, his wife's AJ Lee's reaction to his transfer and the differences between professional wrestling and the rigors of the Octagon.

"I definitely think pro wrestling's more risky. The pro wrestler's mentality, and it's ingrained in them from the start, is you have to work hurt. And I know guys in MMA are banged up and will "work hurt," but if you tear your knee up, you're gonna get surgery. Pro wrestlers will not, because they're afraid about losing their jobs," Punk told Kenny Herzog of Rolling Stone during the magazine's trip to Chicago, the wrestler's hometown.

The wrestler turned MMA artist also shared that it was the personal handling of UFC President Dana White and Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Fertitta who flew all the way to Chicago to entice him to join the outfit. That was all the sign he needed from the UFC to commit fulltime. The next step came was when he came to tell his wife, Lee, of the opportunity. Punk revealed that he and his wife are both stubborn persons and that he expected to be shot down, but the Divas talent was supportive of the idea as she saw how it was his dream to be in the Octagon.

The 36-year-old aspirant was also realistic of his chances but is confident that he can match up with the demands of the UFC. He believes he still has a lot of ground to catch up with but will surprise some people of his striking ability and ground game. He is currently training with legendary Brazilian mentor Rener Gracie who is polishing up his jiu-jitsu techniques but is non-committal on the exact venue on where he will train given the influx of training grounds offering their stables, understandably due to exposure that the WWE former heavyweight champion will bring along.

Watch the interview of Punk during UFC 181 below:

(Youtube/Ultimate Fighting Championship)