CM Punk (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Leading up to UFC 203, there was extensive debate as to much of a draw CM Punk would be, and it looks like the latter’s MMA debut had a significant impact on the pay-per-view numbers.

The former pro-wrestling star took on Mickey Gall at the September 10th event, and was quickly submitted. The card was headlined by a heavyweight title fight between champion Stipe Miocic and Alistair Overeem. The latter was knocked out in the opening round.

According to a new report from MMA Fighting.com, it’s currently estimated that UFC 203 sold between 425,000 and 450,000 PPV buys. If accurate, that would make it the fourth best, PPV draw for the UFC in 2016.

Miocic’s previous bout, a first round KO win over Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 in May, is believed to have sold slightly less than 300,000 PPV buys.

UFC 203 took place in Cleveland, Ohio.