Next month, former WWE superstar CM Punk will be making his MMA debut on the biggest stage of them all, the UFC. In the lead up to the fight, FOX Sports 1 is airing a four-part documentary titled "The Evolution of Punk" which follows Punk's journey and preparation for this first fight. The first episode aired Monday night and as part of the promotional effort, Punk sat down with Peter Rosenberg on Hot 97 to talk about the documentary and his plans after UFC 203.

"Everything hinges on that night. I definitely think a huge part of me is just gonna want to keep the train rolling and get another fight on as soon as I can. There's also another part of me that's just gonna want to go to a bunch of Cubs games, because this is the year. So it all hinges on that night."

Punk made his name as a professional wrestler with the WWE but left the company in early 2014 due to disputes with management. In December of that year, Punk signed with the UFC after approaching UFC President Dana White about his desire to compete in MMA; his debut was expected to be in 2015 but injuries intervened. Now healthy, Punk will be facing Mickey Gall at UFC 203. The 24-year-old Gall is 2-0 in his MMA career and is the heavy favorite. Punk doesn't see it that way though.

"Honestly, there's no assuming [I win]. I'm gonna win. I've never been more confident about something in my entire life. I'll probably sit on the beach for a little bit. I'll probably maybe take a little vacation with the wife but I'll get bored real quick and I'll just want to keep going. I'll want to get the second fight as soon as I can."

Regardless of the outcome, White has said it will be up to Punk whether he fights again. If his enthusiasm is any indication, he will do just that.

"I wish I could fight tomorrow. I feel amazing. You get grinded down in the middle of the week. You gotta learn how to balance things out. It's difficult but I love it so much it almost makes it easy. I'm just having the time of my life."

Punk's debut against Mickey Gall is on Sept. 10th at UFC 203 in Cleveland, Ohio. You can listen to the full interview below where Punk also comments on the McGregor vs. WWE feud.

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Tech talk. Luke Thomas's Monday Morning Analyst goes over the technical nuance of Aldo-Edgar II.

EXTRA CREDIT READING

Nothing today folks.

MEDIA STEW

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Mike Judge made a cartoon about 202.

Tommy returns.

Cody on the Cruz show

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TWEETS

Feels like a wasted opportunity with Nate's emoji.

So yesterday Nick got a visit from USADA and he had the thing up on Snapchat.

If this is true it is awesome.

Bendo is gonna win but honestly, he should just be fighting Chandler straight away.

Can't wait to watch these two duke it out for a chance to get knocked out. @BellatorMMA https://t.co/hGn2aEXGUU — Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) August 15, 2016

This could be interesting.

@seanshelby

I am current 143lbs Glory kickboxing champion. Wanted to connect with UFC matchmakers. Thank you very much.

vargabros@yahoo.ca — Gabriel Varga (@VargaBros) August 15, 2016

I prefer morning coffee but whatever floats your boat.

Don't ask how, but I just hit myself in the nuts with a hammer. Holy Jesus that hurts. And yes, I immediately thought about tweeting it. — Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) August 15, 2016

Hendo winning would be unquestionably the greatest moment in MMA history.

Revenge is sweet. Then the no1 contender can get it, Before all you idiots start posting pictures of fucking alligators. A photo posted by Mikebisping (@mikebisping) on Aug 15, 2016 at 1:44am PDT

Reaction mitts with @glennholmesla @boxnburn A video posted by Brendan Schaub (@brendanschaub) on Aug 15, 2016 at 3:36pm PDT

Happy Monday!!!! #mightypecs A video posted by Demetrious Johnson (@mightymouse125) on Aug 15, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

B.J. Penn (16-10-2) vs. Ricardo Lamas (16-5-0); UFC Fight Night 97, October 15.





TODAY IN MMA HISTORY 2000: Fedor Emelianenko had his second professional MMA fight, submitting Levon Lavgvilava with a rear-naked choke at Rings: Russia vs. Georgia. 2014: Ryan Bader won a unanimous decision over Ovince Saint Preux in the main event of UFC Fight Night 47.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Yesterday's poll revealed that people are excited about the card this weekend. Today, let's just go ahead and ask the big question: Who wins the main event?

Have a good day M.Rmy. Until tomorrow.

If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, just hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting because we post dope things and you should enjoy them.