Derek Brunson was scheduled to fight at UFC 295 headlined by Jon Jones, however, the fight was scrapped. Since then Brunson has signed with the PFL organisation.
The ex-UFC fighter’s name took the media by storm yesterday after his manager, Ali Abdelaziz announced the 39-year-old was making the switch to join the PFL roster, in an interview with The Schmo.
This isn’t the first big name from the UFC to join the PFL as names such as Sheymon Moraes, Anthony Pettis, Clay Collard and Fabricio Werdum have paved the way.
The PFL revealed, within 24 hours, that his first fight had already been signed confirmed and announced to the world.
Derek Brunson will face Ray Cooper III on Friday 24 November 2023 at the PFL World Championships in a non-tournament preliminary bout.
Additionally, “The One” will step up in weight to enter the Light Heavyweight tournament in 2024 as announced by Abdelaziz.
Brunson has a record consisting of 23 wins and nine losses. He’ll be hoping to snap a two-fight losing streak when he steps into the PFL Smartcage later this year. However, it won’t be easy as Cooper is much younger and coming off the back of a victory against Brett Cooper.
Leaving The UFC
The American left the UFC in late September after his scheduled bout with Roman Dolidze was scrapped. His manager had this to say, “Derek Brunson has been under the UFC umbrella for 11 years,” Abdelaziz said. “He had an amazing career there. The last seven years he’s been in the top 10 rankings. The UFC was amazing to him there, helped shape who he is today and I’m very grateful for the opportunity he was given. He has to move on and looking forward to what comes next for him.” (Credit to MMAFighting.com)
Dolidze will now face Jared Cannonier as the two middleweights headline UFC Fight Night Austin on Saturday 12 December.
How do you think Derek Brunson’s career finishes in PFL? Let us know in the comments below…
Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images
