After 11 years at the UFC, Derek Brunson has a new cage to fight in. Brunson is a veteran and a force of nature recognized by many. However, some fighters just become synonymous with the UFC. After spending over a decade with Dana White and Co., is it such a surprise that ‘The One’ was among their best?
However, it looks like things may have gotten a bit too old at UFC. Brunson’s contract expired in September 2023. This gave him an opening to go and pursue some of his other interests. Recently, Brunson’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz spoke with The Schmo and opened up about Brunson’s next move. This may have surprised some fans.
Derek Brunson and his new beginnings
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Recently, Abdelaziz broke the news to the MMA world. Derek Brunson will no longer compete with the UFC, instead, he’s changed gears. He will now be seen competing for the million dollar price at the light heavyweight division of the PFL. This is hardly the first time UFC fighters have moved onto different organizations and it always results in some sort of uproar or shock from the fans. Here is what Brunson’s manager said in the interview.
“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.”
Clearly, a level of mature thankfulness has emerged after the parting of ways. Brunson was indeed one of the best middleweights in the UFC for a long time. However, he never ended up becoming a champion. Perhaps this was one of the reasons Brunson decided that it was time to move on.
Fans all around the world had things to say. When Francis Ngannou popularly moved to the same organization, the reactions were loud and wild. Why should anyone expect any less for Brunson? Of course, fans called him out on the move. Not everyone was happy with the decision and most weren’t afraid of stating their opinions online.
Fans react to Brunson leaving the UFC
Some fans called him names, others backed him up. It’s a tale as old as time. ‘The One’ might score a lot of cash if he happens to win the upcoming tourney in 2024. The money could mean an awful lot for the fighter apart from just a fresh start.
PFL is where all the UFC washouts go
— ZTNBlanco (@ZtnBlanco) October 5, 2023
Historically this doesn't go well for the UFC veteran.
— Rob (Jspec) Nakamura🤙🏼 (@JspecTheHost) October 5, 2023
Can't see that ending well 👀
— OddSmokerSteve (@OddSmokerSteve) October 5, 2023
Meanwhile, others were a bit more supportive of their favorite UFC veteran.
Happy to see him in the PFL! I’ll be rooting for him to get that million! https://t.co/D44kQ0ggeJ
— Bry The MMA Guy (@BryTheMMAguy) October 5, 2023
Damn that’s wild. Let’s get it👊🏽
— Iflowmann (@iflowmannMMA) October 5, 2023
The return of Blonde Brunson!
— Rumblo (@Rumblestripss) October 5, 2023
Finally, some others had serious accusations against Brunson. Was it all about the money for him? These fans seem to think so.
A fraud signing with a fraud promotion. All the great talents are in the ufc. Sucks this guy chose the money over the glory
A lot of ufc fighters only care about providing for their families over being world champions 🤦♂️ what type of mindset is that in this sport
— Doctor MMA (@FightDoctor_) October 5, 2023
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Money Grab Brunson
— Victor Damone Jr. (@vicdamonesports) October 5, 2023
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Looks like some complaints are a bit too late. Brunson has already decided to make the move and will most likely be seen in 2024. There may have been a lot of factors and benefits that led him to get associated with the PFL instead. Now, will the fighter create the same hype as ‘The Predator’ did? Nobody knows. UFC fighters have moved to the PFL before but it does make a world of difference when it’s a veteran like Brunson. Will he achieve glory with the organization?
Watch This Story: Here’s How Much Francis Ngannou Will Make Against Tyson Fury