NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson didn't know what to think when CM Punk hopped on the ice wearing a pair of skates and a clutching hockey stick in his bare hands after an off-ice strength and conditioning session at Prudential Center on Wednesday.
Punk, born Phil Brooks, was one of five mixed martial arts fighters, all representing the Ultimate Fighting Championship, invited to participate with Devils strength and conditioning coaches Joe Lorincz and Jaime Rodriguez on Wednesday and Thursday as part of the UFC's cross-training program.
"When CM Punk skated onto the ice with no gloves, people were saying it was going to be an MMA match on the ice so I wanted no part of that," Severson said.