CLEVELAND, Ohio (THE GUARDIAN) - The former WWE star CM Punk claims that his comprehensive first-round defeat on his UFC bow was the "second-best night of my life after marrying my wife".

The 38-year-old was put on his back by Mickey Gall less than 10 seconds into the fight and tapped out after just two minutes and 14 seconds.

Punk, who left WWE two years ago to try his hand at ultimate fighting, was on the UFC 203 undercard against Gall on Saturday evening.

"This was the most fun I've had in my life, second best night of my life after marrying my wife," said Punk after the fight.

"I know there's a lot of doubters but listen, life's about falling down and getting back up. Doesn't matter how many time you get knocked down, get back up.

"It was a hell of a climb, I didn't get to the summit tonight but it doesn't mean I'm going to give up it doesn't mean I'm going anywhere, it doesn't mean I'm going to stop."

In the buildup to the fight, Gall had pledged to "destroy" Punk and the New Jersey fighter delivered on his promise, quickly taking down Punk on his back.

With Punk exposed, Gall smashed a right hand into his temple before kneeling on top of him and connecting with a series of head shots.

Punk almost wriggled free, but Gall regained a dominant position and soon Punk had no choice but to tap his hand on the mat, ending the fight the way many inside the sport had predicted.