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Notes: CM Punk on track, Evans-Bader possibly on tap and more

UFC President Dana White spoke to TMZ about Phil “C.M. Punk” Brooks, and said that the former WWE superstar is looking “phenomenal” and on track for a debut in early 2016.

C.M. Punk competes against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, 2012. (AP)
C.M. Punk competes against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, 2012. (AP)

Punk has taken his fair share of critique jumping headfirst into MMA. However, Roufus Sport training partners Anthony Pettis and Ben Askren have been vocal in their support of the 36-year-old rookie and are adamant that he will be able to transition smoothly.

White also said he thinks UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock needs to retire.

'Suga' set for October return

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans has been out of action for close to two years. According to UFC Tonight’s Ariel Helwani, Evans wants a return fight at UFC 192 in October against Ryan Bader.

Bader has expressed his desire for the fight as well and now it is up to the UFC to make it official.

Machida goes under the knife

Yoel Romero broke the Internet with his post-fight speech on Saturday. Unfortunately for his opponent, Lyoto Machida, that wasn’t the only thing he broke.

Per UFC Tonight, Machida underwent successful surgery for a broken nose suffered at the hands of the “Soldier of God.” Machida is 1-3 in his last four fights and has been finished consecutively by Luke Rockhold and Romero. On the flip side, Romero has won his last six fights and is a surging contender in the UFC’s middleweight division.

'Jacare' is ready and not waiting

UFC middleweight contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza isn’t waiting around for a title shot. Souza is riding an eight-fight win streak and is ready for a September return. And according to UFC Tonight, if he can’t get a big-name fight in his division, then he will fight at 205.

Listen, we know that “Jacare” (Portuguese for alligator) loves to mimic chomping down on his opponents after a signature submission win, but the thought of this contender moving up 20 pounds in weight – especially so close to a title shot – has us thinking he might be biting off more than he can chew.

'The King' Returns?

UFC featherweight contender Conor McGregor meets Chad Mendes for the interim belt on July 11. (AP)
UFC featherweight contender Conor McGregor meets Chad Mendes for the interim belt on July 11. (AP)

The UFC announced its plans to return to Dublin, Ireland, in October.

And win or lose at UFC 189 on July 11, Dublin-born UFC superstar Conor McGregor wants in.

“You don’t have a show in my hometown and not have me on it,"McGregor said on a recent conference call. "Most certainly, I want to be on that card. We'll see which way it plays out.”

McGregor has his hands full against late-replacement terror Chad “Money” Mendes in Las Vegas. If he can get through the Team Alpha Male standout, and his all-world ground attack, McGregor will finally sit on the throne that he’s claimed was his from the start. Or, at least, he'll sit an interim throne with a 'toy' belt until Jose Aldo is healthy enough to defend his featherweight crown again.