Duke Roufus Says Friendship With CM Punk Made Him Agree To Train Him

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Duke Roufus said that it was his friendship with CM Punk that led to him agreeing to train him for his MMA debut. He fights Mickey Gall tonight at UFC 203 on PPV. Here are highlights:

On never doubting Punk would make it: “Because of who he is and his character, I thought it was going to be harder doing this. But he’s so committed – emotionally, spiritually, physically – and he has an incredible attitude. What made him successful in the world of entertainment wrestling has made him successful over here. He’s very committed, he’s very driven, he has an incredible attitude, and he’s hungry to learn every day. Those are the easiest guys in the world to coach. I recently had (UFC welterweight champ) Tyron Woodley win a championship out of this gym – he’s the same. Anthony Pettis is the same – those same type of characteristics.”

On why he decided to train him: “If it were anyone else I wouldn’t have (coached them). It’s my friendship with Punk that had me do this. I wouldn’t do it with most guys (coming over from pro wrestling). It’s been awesome, and I have no regrets at all. It’s been an incredible journey, and it’s not just a one-fight thing. He has a multi-fight contract with the UFC and this is his new profession.”

On their focus: “If you focus on criticism, you’re never going to get anywhere. You’ve got to focus on results. The results are done here, and the results are done in the arena that night. That’s what we’re focusing on.”