Former UFC middleweight Derek Brunson is the latest big name to sign with the rapidly expanding PFL.
Brunson (23-9) was released by the UFC rather suddenly after pulling out of a fight with Roman Dolidze in mid-September. That left the 39-year old a free agent, and it hasn’t taken him long to find a new home.
In a new interview with MMA personality The Schmo, Brunson’s manager revealed he had inked a contract with the Professional Fighters League.
PFL officials did not respond to a request for comment from Cageside Press regarding the signing. However Brunson later confirmed the deal on social media, including an image of himself wearing PFL fight shorts.
“Million dollar tournament incoming,” Brunson wrote in the post, adding “I started focusing more on my road work for the first time in my career.”
Brunson will enter the league’s 2024 season coming off back-to-back losses against Jared Cannonier and Dricus Du Plessis. While not the most comfortable spot to be career-wise, he had been on a four-fight win streak prior to those setbacks. Cannonier, meanwhile, is a former title challenger and top contender; Du Plessis appears to be in line for a UFC title shot.
As for the PFL, it does not have a middleweight division currently. As a result, Brunson is expected to compete at 205lbs. This November, Josh Silveira will face ex-UFC talent Impa Kasanganay to determine the 2023 PFL light heavyweight champ.
