After almost 11 years in the UFC, Derek Brunson has no grudges toward the organization, but he felt it was time to move on to PFL.
After obtaining his release, the 39-year-old veteran signed a new multi-fight contract with PFL, where he will make his debut this Friday on the season finale program. Although Brunson was supposed to fight Roman Dolidze this month, he finally decided to sever his connection with the UFC and pursue a new beginning elsewhere.
What Caused Derek Bruson To Get Frustrated With The UFC?
Throughout almost his whole UFC career, Brunson finished in the top 10 at middleweight and came dangerously close to winning the title a few times. He most recently completed an amazing five-fight winning streak, which included a submission victory over former championship contender Darren Till. According to the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, he is now ranked No. 12.
However, Derek Brunson’s victory did not earn him a crack at the championship; instead, he had to face Jared Cannonier, whom he ultimately lost via second-round knockout. He finally began to feel like he was treading water due to his irritation that after coming so close, he was never given the chance to compete for UFC gold.
“I think it was at the time that we both went our separate ways,” Brunson told MMA Fighting. “I had a good run there but I guess where I’m at in my career, at my age, some of the things that go on there didn’t make sense for me.
“It was just tough to get up for these fights, for all these top guys. It was just the perfect time for both of us to move on.”
Ultimately, Derek Brunson’s contract with the UFC was terminated, and he signed a few days later with the PFL. Even though they had mutually decided to part ways, Brunson claims that after Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, mentioned his release during a press conference, he really got a call.
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