5 Reasons Having CM Punk Appear in the UFC Will Benefit the Company

Chael Sonnen certainly knows how to work a crowd. As if his constant stream of one-liners weren't enough self-promotion, Mr. Sonnen is going to get help from a world champion.

Not from a UFC champion, but from the WWE champion, CM Punk.

For years MMA fans have tried to distance themselves from their WWE cousins, but there's no denying that there's a distinct group of fans that were or still are WWE fans and love to watch the UFC as well.

There's a certain audience set for both sports but there's also a lot of crossover in fanbases. If you don't believe me just look at the MMA career of Brock Lesnar.

Sonnen doesn't really need the help of Punk in building his name, but the UFC should capitalize on one of the biggest stars in wrestling appearing on their show for a number of reasons.

5. CM Punk Is a Celebrity Who's "In"

How many times are we shown a celebrity at a UFC event who's a few years past their prime (or never even had one)?

With CM Punk making a celebrity appearance, it gives the UFC some credibility as a current celebrity is showing up.

It may be nice to have the celebrity mainstays like David Spade and Kevin James, but the mainstream media don't care about them.

Punk is the  man as far as professional wrestling goes and by publicly showing his approval of the sport, it gives some measure of validity in certain social circles.

4. Image Control in the Windy City

It's no secret Chael Sonnen is one of the most polarizing figures in all of MMA. Whenever Sonnen opens his mouth, fans either love him or hate him for what he says.

By not only associating himself with, but bringing CM Punk out with him will get the entire arena behind Sonnen.

Punk is a big name in the city of Chicago, especially after his performance at the "Money In the Bank" PPV in 2011. Other than Miami and Canada, I've never seen a city back a professional wrestler in the way Punk has Chicago wrapped around his fingers.

Like being seen with the popular kid at school, having Punk show up at his side will get Sonnen instant street cred with the Chicago MMA fans.

3. Pipebomb + Pipebomb = Must See TV

Chael Sonnen and CM Punk have a lot in common. They're both regarded as two of the best wrestlers in their prospective sports. They also have the tendency to create a lot of drama when they're placed in front of a microphone.

Just imagine the possibilities if Sonnen wins and invites Punk into the Octagon with him for his post-fight interview.

We all know how Sonnen feels about Anderson Silva, but Punk may take the trash talk to a new level considering he doesn't have to worry about Dana White.

Here's a small preview of how Sonnen's post-fight interview with Punk could look.

2. Turning Nothing into Something

This story will likely be made into a lot more than it actually ends up being. I mean when you break it down, it's nothing more than a guy walking the two minutes to the Octagon.

But it will generate some more interest into an event that features two, possibly three title eliminators.

And let's say Punk's appearance is a total dud. Maybe he just walks out with Sonnen and that's the end of it. Perhaps Sonnen loses and we don't get a chance to see Punk on a UFC mic.

It's still a winning situation for the UFC and Dana White because it gives White the opportunity to take a jab at the WWE. White could come out and tell everyone to look how the biggest name in wrestling (in his hometown no less) couldn't take any attention away from a free show.

Quite a bargaining chip in the "UFC is bigger than WWE" argument.

1. Fan Crossover

The most obvious reason is for WWE fans to crossover into being UFC fans.

Like I said, both sports have their own niche but they also have a lot in common with one another. Bringing Punk on board will bring a lot of eyes to the UFC that normally wouldn't have watched a MMA bout.

Punk's name resonates more than just the wrestling community as well. During his summer of "pipe bombs," Punk's promos made headlines in a way that hasn't been seen in the WWE in quite some time.

Check out the WWE section here at B/R and you will find a number of articles about jaded WWE fans. The product has gotten incredibly stale through the past few years and more fans are likely willing to make the jump to MMA now more than ever.

History Repeating Itself?

Although it may seem small and insignificant, consider the past with the WWE and the UFC.

The UFC basically "used" the WWE to being building up its fan base by putting The Ultimate Fighter on right after Monday Night Raw.

Vince McMahon didn't think much of the upstart show and allowed it to run following his program and that has undoubtedly come back to bite him. The UFC has used the WWE before to gain fans, this could be another subtle attempt to get more people to tune into real fighting.