Ever since Phil ?CM Punk? Brooks signed with the UFC, the former pro wrestler-turned-real-fighter has been dominating headlines. Hardcore fans scream about ?legitimacy? while casual fans are peeking around the proverbial corner to see what all the fuss is about.
Brooks, who has never actually fought professionally, has made quite a name for himself in the sport of MMA in only a few short months. This is in part due to his background as a WWE superstar (something fight fans have trouble reconciling with at times) and the fact that he is getting preferential treatment over many other, more seasoned fighters.
Most assume that when Brooks does, in fact, make his in-cage debut, that he will be featured prominently. Brooks let the MMA world know a few weeks ago that he would be training for his UFC debut with world-renowned striking coach Duke Roufus in Milwaukee. Roufus is a former kickboxing champion who trains the likes of UFC lightweight champ Anthony ?Showtime? Pettis and undefeated welterweight Ben Askren among others.
The Roufus camp, and Brooks in particular, have been fairly mum on a potential date for his debut. Even more scarce are any details coming out of the camp in regards to just how well the aging 36-year-old rookie is looking on the mats.
However, fight fans recently got their first glimpse of Punk going at it as Roufus sent out photos showing a sweaty Brooks engaged in the first, true sparring match of his still-young career.
Brooks? opponent in the photo is professional fighter Craig Eckelberg (4-0). Eckelberg competes in the welterweight division, so it may give an idea on where Brooks could be competing one day (Brooks previously mentioned the middleweight division as a possibility).
As Roufus is quick to point out in the caption on Instagram, the rookie, Brooks, is still very much that ? a rookie. The coach said 'Punk has some things to work on but he showed a lot of #Potential'. 
Although, the fact that he is actually mixing it up with professionals in one of the world?s most active gyms speaks volumes.
The UFC has a FOX broadcast scheduled in Chicago on July 26. And the ?Chicago-Made? Punk is a logical fit for a Windy City debut at some point in his career, but it is still too soon to predict if Brooks will make the jump by the end of July. What do you think? Will Phil Brooks be ready for Chicago in July, or will the UFC use him as a pay-per-view-only attraction? And will training at Roufus Sport be just the kind of experience Brooks needs to win in the Octagon?
Wesley Cabbage Correira Patrick The Predator Côté Randy The Natural Couture Dan Cramer Alberto Crane
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