Former WWE world champion CM Punk will make his octagon debut in less than a week when he squares off with Mickey Gall on the main card of UFC 203 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The fight will serve not only as Punk’s first bout in the UFC, but as his first professional contest in mixed martial arts period.

With that said, many fans and analysts are not giving Punk a realistic chance of winning the fight against his undefeated UFC 203 opponent Mickey Gall (2-0 MMA).

However, one mixed martial arts legend and former UFC fighter, Renzo Gracie, believes Punk has the skills required to come home with the “W” next Saturday night:

“I love the guy. I love CM Punk. He’s a great guy, and he’s a very tough guy,” Gracie told SiriusXM Rush (as transcribed by BloodyElbow). “He trained for a long time with my cousins in Los Angeles, and now he’s training with Duke Roufus. For sure he will represent well this sport. I can’t wait to see his debut.”

“He’s going to be against a tough guy, but I think he has a big chance to win,” he said. “(I think he wins) with a guillotine. I believe, second round.”

Interestingly, Mickey Gall has won both of his professional fights by way of first-round submission.

Gall’s most recent performance came at UFC Fight Night 82 this past February, where he scored a rear-naked choke victory over Mike Jackson in his octagon debut.

CM Punk is currently labelled as a +275 underdog for his upcoming UFC 203 fight with Mickey Gall.

Who will you be putting your money on next Saturday night? Sound off PENN Nation!