CM Punk to undergo back surgery, UFC debut on hold

CHICAGO, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- CM Punk is scheduled to undergo back surgery, effectively postponing his UFC debut match against Mickey Gall.

According to MMAFighting, Punk, a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion is suffering from a back injury he believes was caused by his time as a professional wrestler.

"My back has always bugged me," Punk, real name Phil Brooks explained to the outlet. "Figured it was just wrestling [expletive]. Turns out it was."

"It got bad enough to the point where I couldn't do anything the week before I went to train with the New Jersey Devils last month. One day I could manage, the next day I couldn't. I've been in agony for almost a month. Chiropractor, acupuncture, massage, cryotherapy ... nothing worked," the 37-year-old continued.

On Saturday, Punk was present during UFC's Fight Night 82 to check out Gall, also a newcomer who is now 2-0 in the octagon. The two were set to meet in June but now that bout will be delayed indefinitely. Despite the surgery, Punk is still eyeing 2016 to make his UFC in-ring debut.

Punk's recovery time is expected to last four-to-six weeks. "This is just a bump in the road," he concluded "I'm positive about this."

On Wednesday, Gall tweeted Punk well wishes and stated that the match will still happen. "Guys. It's all good. The fight is still on. Minor surgery. I wish @CMPunk a healthy & speedy recovery. I want you at 100%, check that, #200."

Punk signed with the UFC in December 2014 after quitting the WWE in January of the same year. This is the second injury related setback for the fighter who last fall had to stop training for months due to a shoulder injury.