In a surprising turn of events, longtime UFC middleweight Derek Brunson has signed an exclusive deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). This announcement confirms his move to the organization, and he is set to make his promotional debut on November 24th. The PFL officials revealed this news to ESPN, solidifying the signing and the upcoming fight against two-time welterweight champion Ray Cooper III.
Brunson took to social media on Thursday to share the news of his move to the PFL after online personality The Schmo first reported it, citing Brunson’s management. This decision comes after Brunson’s two-fight losing streak in the UFC. Although he has not competed since March, it seems both Brunson and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, mutually agreed to part ways with the UFC. Despite these recent setbacks, Brunson had been one of the most consistent middleweights in the UFC for years.
The focus now turns to Brunson’s debut fight against Ray Cooper III. This middleweight bout will be showcased as a part of the November 24th event in Washington. The event will also feature the 2023 Championship Finals and several other showcase fights. PFL CEO Peter Murray expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, calling it the grandest in PFL history, highlighting the return of two-time PFL World Champion Ray Cooper III. Murray also mentioned that the night would include the return of stars like Kayla Harrison and Biaggio Ali Walsh, making it the richest night in MMA.
With notable victories over Darren Till, Kevin Holland, and Lyoto Machida, Brunson brings a wealth of experience to his new promotion. Despite his recent skid, Brunson remains a formidable competitor and will look to make an impact in the PFL. It is expected that Brunson will compete in the 2024 season format as a light heavyweight, showcasing his versatility as a fighter.
On the other side of the octagon, Ray Cooper III from Hawai’i will be Brunson’s first opponent in the PFL. Cooper III has not fought since July 2022, but he boasts an impressive 7-1 record in his past eight appearances. This match against Brunson provides him with an opportunity to continue his winning streak and prove himself against a respected veteran in the sport.
Derek Brunson’s transition to the PFL marks a new chapter in his career. The exclusive deal and upcoming debut against Ray Cooper III present an exciting challenge for both fighters. As they step into the cage on November 24th, fans can expect an intense battle between two skilled competitors. Only time will tell how Brunson performs under the PFL banner, but one thing is certain: his presence in the organization adds another layer of excitement to the already thriving world of mixed martial arts.
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