One for the purists, this.
Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers remains hopeful of getting a shot at former WWE superstar CM Punk in 2018.
Despite the fact that both fighters are currently contracted to different mixed martial arts promotions, Chalmers can foresee a scenario in which Punk (real name Phil Brooks) is cut from his UFC deal this year and picked up by Bellator.
Bellator work closely with BAMMA, the European organisation for which Chalmers has already put together a 3-0 professional record, so it’s not exactly outside the realms of possibility.
If @AaronCGShore wants a tougher opponent, why shouldn't he get one? https://t.co/Ihrqco36EL
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) December 16, 2017
Chalmers claimed his third consecutive first-round stoppage with a TKO win over Karl Donaldson in his native Newcastle last month and while the 30-year-old is looking for some tougher competition against which he can test his ever-growing skill-set, he’s also well aware of the intriguing allure of a reality TV star fighting a wrestling icon in a cage.
“Apparently he’s still contracted to UFC. It’ll be interesting to see if he has another fight early in the year,” Chalmers told the Sun.
“If he doesn’t, I think Bellator might be looking to sign him. I’d love to do that fight later in the year.”
Chalmers has been criticised by many fight fans since making his professional debut in May and it’s been suggested that his opponents are being hand-picked to ensure that he can pad his early record.
https://twitter.com/BAMMA/status/941797736470343681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fgeordie-shores-aaron-chalmers-has-done-it-again-153360
But, at 3-0, he can’t be accused of shying away from a challenge, evidenced by his call-out of Kevin ‘Baby Slice’ Ferguson Jr. in December.
The future of Punk, meanwhile, remains up in the air.
Having failed miserably in his MMA and UFC debut in 2016, the 39-year-old has returned to training and recently met with UFC President Dana White in order to put together a second chance.
If he gets embarrassed in his second Octagon outing, however, it remains entirely likely that he will be sent packing.
Would Bellator be prepared to snap him up and transfer Chalmers across to their roster for one of the most bizarre fights of all time?
It’s not like they’ve ever put together unusual bouts before…
Shamrock vs Gracie | Kimbo vs Dada 5000 pic.twitter.com/4sOvBf1LWs
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 7, 2015