UFC Releases Derek Brunson

UFC Releases Derek Brunson

The UFC has released veteran middleweight Derek Brunson. The news was first reported by UFC Roster Watch on Twitter. Damon Martin of MMAFighting later contributed that the UFC opted to cut Brunson.

❌ Fighter removed: Derek Brunson

— UFC Roster Watch (@UFCRosterWatch) September 14, 2023

Derek Brunson has been released from the UFC roster, per UFC officials.

No details what happened but UFC confirmed the release #UFC

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) September 15, 2023

Brunson’s release comes as a bit of a surprise. The 39-year-old welterweight was booked to fight Roman Dolidze at UFC 295. Dolidze announced on Twitter that Brunson was out of the fight; however, it is unclear exactly how the situation unfolded.

It is unknown if Brunson was cut which led to the bout falling through or if Brunson pulled out of the fight which led to the UFC releasing him. Regardless, Dolidze needs an opponent for UFC 295.

Brunson is out. I heard @robwhittakermma you want to fight by end of year ! Lets do it! November or December!

— Roman Dolidze (@romandolidzeufc) September 14, 2023

Prior to his release, Brunson’s UFC career appeared to be running short. At 39-years-old, he was coming off two knockout losses and spoke about retirement frequently. Still, it seemed like Brunson was trending toward retirement rather than a release.

It does not look like Brunson is ready to call it a career, however. Shortly after his release was made public, Brunson called out Jake Paul.

JAKE . JAKE . JAKE @jakepaul pic.twitter.com/rCnnFFN3PL

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 15, 2023

Brunson ended his UFC career with 21 bouts in the promotion which led to a record of 14-7. In his UFC tenure, Brunson continuously sat in the middleweight rankings and fought the division’s toughest opponents. That has resulted in all of Brunson’s losses coming against elite competition.

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Brunson was never able to reach the championship level of the sport, but he managed to craft a memorable career through a handful of crazy fights and an entertaining personality.

At the time of his release, Brunson was the No. 8 ranked middleweight in the UFC.

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