Derek Brunson, a long-time contender in the UFC’s middleweight division, has decided to part ways with the promotion after a decade of competing in the Octagon. Brunson, who boasts a record of 23 wins and 9 losses, has faced some of the division’s toughest fighters, including Israel Adesanya, Anderson Silva, and Lyoto Machida. His departure from the UFC comes as a surprise to many fans and marks the end of an era.
Brunson’s last scheduled fight in the UFC was set to be against Roman Dolidze at UFC 295. But this bout has now been canceled due to his departure. However, Brunson has already made waves in the MMA community by calling out a familiar name – Jake Paul, a popular entertainer turned fighter. While this call-out garnered significant attention, the fan reactions have been quite unexpected.
Derek Brunson calls out Jake Paul and here’s how the fans responded
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Following the confirmation of his UFC departure, Derek Brunson took to Twitter to respond to an old post by Jake Paul. In the post, Paul had claimed that he could defeat Jorge Masvidal, a UFC welterweight fighter, even though he primarily competes at a different weight class. Paul had called out UFC CEO Dana White, asking for permission to make more money.
JAKE . JAKE . JAKE @jakepaul pic.twitter.com/rCnnFFN3PL
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 15, 2023
Brunson’s response was direct and concise, addressing Jake Paul by name. But the fan reactions were not what he might have hoped for.
Fan reactions to Brunson’s call-out
Brunson’s call-out of Jake Paul received mixed reactions from fans across social media platforms.
Bro you had your chance, it’s definitely gone now 😂
— Prabh Sandhu (@PrabhhSandhu) September 15, 2023
While some expressed interest in the potential matchup.
hopefully in gamebred bareknuckle mma
— Lord Enoch (@he_negash) September 15, 2023
Others were more critical.
No chin Brunson pls stop
— k (@Dsyrukyan) September 15, 2023
Some fans believed that Brunson’s chance to secure a fight with Paul had passed.
Bruh you’re 2 years late lol go call the PFL
— GOOSE (@G0OO0SE) September 15, 2023
While others questioned the timing of his call-out, especially after leaving the UFC.
Bro you didn’t just leave the ufc to hopefully get a jake Paul fight no way lmao
— marty (@MartinH_23) September 15, 2023
A few fans even made lighthearted comments, referring to Brunson’s previous UFC performances.
Come on man, this doesn’t suit your game. Unless this is just a money grab
— Justin Rice (@Dirty_Rice140) September 15, 2023
The decision to leave the UFC and call out Jake Paul was also called out by some fans.
Cut from the ufc, then immediately begs for a Jake Paul fight💀
— Combat Sports Insider (@combat_insider) September 15, 2023
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Derek Brunson’s call-out of Jake Paul created a stir among fans on social media, highlighting the divisive nature of such a matchup. Mixed reactions ranged from genuine interest to skepticism about the timing and feasibility of the fight.
Derek Brunson entered the UFC’s middleweight division in 2012, following a stint in the now-defunct Strikeforce promotion. Brunson’s journey saw him achieving multiple fight win streaks and rising through the ranks, positioning himself as a formidable contender for the middleweight title.
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As Derek Brunson embarks on the next phase of his fighting career outside the UFC, the possibility of him facing Jake Paul or other intriguing opponents remains uncertain. Fans and pundits will be eager to see how his career unfolds and whether he can secure the high-profile fights he desires. While his call-out may have raised eyebrows, it has certainly generated buzz and kept the MMA community talking. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. What do you think is next for Derek Brunson?
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