Derek Brunson: Move to UFC 271 was for Adesanya-Whittaker 2 backup role

MIAMI – Derek Brunson thinks he’s closing in on the UFC middleweight belt.

The longtime contender thinks he could soon be getting a title shot whether it happens in his next fight or the one after.

Brunson (23-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC) is scheduled to take on fellow top contender Jared Cannonier. The two were originally booked to fight at UFC 270 on Jan. 22, but their bout was moved to UFC 271 on Feb. 12 in Houston, where the UFC middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker will take place.

The 38-year-old said the switch in event was because the UFC wanted to set up potential backup opponents for the championship fight.

“The UFC – I think they just wanted a backup for the title fight in case somebody went down and got injured,” Brunson told MMA Junkie. “They have two guys – (1)85ers, (No.) 3 and 4-ranked guys – that can jump in for the title shot.”

Brunson currently is on a five-fight winning streak and has headlined UFC cards in his past three bouts. The Sanford MMA-based fighter is in good career form. Brunson doesn’t have any problem stepping in on short notice to face either Whittaker or Adesanya if the opportunity were to arise.

“Oh, yeah, for sure (I would step in),” Brunson said. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity – five in a row, and I’ve been waiting for that title shot. So yeah, if the opportunity comes up, for sure.”

But for now, Brunson will have to focus on Cannonier, who’s 4-1 in his past five performances. Brunson knows Cannonier is a dangerous opponent, but he’s unfazed by the challenge.

“I know he’s like a good striker, a big powerful guy. But I’m a well-rounded guy,” Brunson said. “You have to bring a lot more than that to the table. My whole thing is in this training camp to worry about myself and not let guys get lucky and be a complete mixed martial artist.”