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Logan Paul Accuses WWE Rival of Blocking Potential UFC Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Xaiver Aguiar | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 9:58 PM ET

After years of a somewhat tumultuous relationship, WWE and UFC are now under the same roof. The two companies merged in 2023 to form TKO, and the entities have seen plenty of crossovers.

Athletes from both brands have been in attendance at the other shows, producing moments such as former Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler calling out Connor McGregor on Raw. While ex-UFC fighters like Ronda Rousey and Matt Riddle have found varying success in pro wrestling, don't expect much crossover the other way. Logan Paul's attempt to get in the octagon has been thwarted thanks to a current WWE superstar's horrific transition to MMA.

On a recent episode of his podcast Impaulsive, Paul accused CM Punk of blocking a possible UFC run. "CM Punk f##### it up," Paul said. "He f##### it up, and after that, Dana White was like, 'I'm never doing that again.' But I'm not CM Punk—he's a great wrestler, not a UFC fighter. I think I'd be a much better UFC fighter than I would just a boxer."

Who remembers the CM Punk UFC Run? Could any WWE Wrestlers currently move over to MMA? pic.twitter.com/hYmNxq0GEy
— 3KO ✟ (@3nockout) February 29, 2024

The reason Paul was able to transition to the squared circle at an unforeseen pace is due to his natural athleticism. He's got a superior build to Punk, which would surely translate better in a shoot-fight environment.

I appreciate White's commitment to maintaining the purity of his sport and only putting people in the cage he deems ready and worthy. If Paul is serious about getting into that world, he should have to earn it and not have an opportunity gift-wrapped for him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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