Even the most experienced fighters occasionally run into problems while cutting weight. Given this, it should come as no surprise that inexperienced fighters can also have difficulty shedding the pounds.

This is precisely the kind of obstacle former WWE star CM Punk is facing as he prepares for his UFC debut next Saturday: a welterweight (170 pounds) showdown with Mickey Gall.

Punk claimed his weight-cut has been a struggle during a UFC 203 media call on Thursday.

“It’s terrible,” the former pro wrestler said. “I’m above 200 pounds right now and it’s not going good.”

In case math isn’t your strong suit, allow us to clarify: that means Punk has just 10 days to drop more than 30 pounds–a tall task even for a veteran weight-cutter.

Gall, however, is not particularly perturbed by this news. If Punk were to miss the welterweight division’s 170-pound cap, after all, he would receive 20% of the former wrestler’s undoubtedly sizeable pay check.

Punk was quick to smother Gall’s hopes for an inflated payday, though.

“It would be the most money you made in your entire life,” he told the 24-year-old. “If you think I’m giving you any of my purse, you are f***ing crazy.”

Yet while Punk’s reluctance to share is pay check with his opponent is understandable, it’ll all depend on his making weight. Just how does he plan on doing that with so many pounds left to drop?

“Amputation,” he joked.

All humor aside, Punk has a big job on his hands. And even if he successfully drops the required poundage by next Friday’s weigh-ins, there seems to be a real chance this huge cut will have have adverse effects on his performance on fight night. Considering he’s already extremely short on advantages, that’s bad news.

Do you think Punk will make the welterweight limit by Friday, or will he be forced to share his purse with his young opponent? Sound off, PENN nation!