CM Punk to UFC? Dana White 'Wouldn't Mind Talking' to Former WWE Superstar

Looks like those CM Punk rumors might have legs after all.

The immensely popular former WWE champion has recently hinted he may be interested in trying MMA. And on Thursday, none other than UFC President Dana White said in comments to TMZ Sports that he would be open to conversations with Punk about a potential move to the Octagon.

"He is a big [MMA] fan, and I like him very much. He's a great dude," White said of Punk. "You know, I don't know if he can fight or anything like that, but sure, I wouldn't mind talking to CM Punk."

Why would he mind? Whether he can fight or not, Punk would bring a massive built-in fanbase to any event in which he is involved. Brock Lesnar, a WWE superstar who crossed over to pro MMA, became the biggest pay-per-view draw in UFC history despite a relatively limited skill set and only eight professional contests. 

There are indications that the 36-year-old Punk is in serious training for MMA. Rener Gracie, a member of the iconic Gracie family of MMA pioneers (and unabashed self-promoters), has taken Punk under his wing. Gracie said in January there was "no telling how successful [Punk] would be if he devoted himself."

Punk (real name Phillip Brooks) has been more vocal lately about his time with the WWE and his interest in MMA. Former UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen once invited Punk to accompany him to the cage, but WWE honcho Vince McMahon ultimately denied the request.

Earlier this year, Punk abruptly and mysteriously departed the WWE and is now apparently retired from professional wrestling. 

Nevertheless, Punk is still one of the most decorated wrestlers in WWE history, having held the WWE Championship twice and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship three times, among a host of other credentials in the WWE and other pro wrestling organizations.

Scott Harris covers MMA for Bleacher Report. For more info and speculation and mouthing off and what not, follow Scott on Twitter.