Derek Brunson signs with PFL for light heavyweight tournament, says manager

Former UFC middleweight contender Derek Brunson is headed to the PFL.

According to his manager Ali Abdelaziz, of Dominance MMA, Brunson (23-9) has signed with PFL and will join the promotion’s $1 million light heavyweight tournament, set to begin in 2024. Abdelaziz said the news in an interview with “The Schmo” released Thursday. Abdelaziz did not reveal a promotional debut date or opponent.

PFL officials did not have comment when contacted by MMA Junkie.

Brunson, 39, departed the UFC in September right before what appeared to be the final bout on six-fight deal that he signed in December 2019. Brunson was announced to fight vs. Roman Dolidze at UFC 295 in November at the time of his UFC contract termination, which Abdelaziz previously indicated was a mutual decision.

While Brunson currently finds himself on a two-fight skid with consecutive defeats to top contenders Jared Cannonier and Dricus Du Plessis.

Brunson competed 21 times in the UFC from the Strikeforce merger in late 2012 through his March loss to Du Plessis. Key victories under the promotion’s banner included Lyoto Machida, Darren Till, Kevin Holland, Uriah Hall.