Derek Brunson signs with the PFL, plans to compete in $1 million light heavyweight tournament

Derek Brunson has been a mainstay in the UFC since leaving Strikeforce in 2012 and has been competing in the octagon for over a decade. The veteran has seen his own share of ups and downs since his debut 11 years ago and has amassed some memorable victories during that time.

Just last month, it was announced that the 39-year-old would bring an end to his time in the UFC and we finally have more details on his next move. Speaking with The Schmo, Ali Abdelaziz—the renowned MMA manager—reminisced on his client’s time under his former employer.

“Derek Brunson, he signed with PFL. He’s a PFL fighter, he’s gonna fight before [the] end of the year. ” Stated Abdelaziz. “He did a lot for the UFC, the UFC did a lot for him. He have a great career, he have a crazy schedule. He’s fought [Robert] Whittaker, fought [Israel] Adesanya, fought Kevin Holland, fought all the guys. Darren Till.”

Brunson’s history in the UFC runs deep and he has been locked inside the cage with some of the greatest to ever compete in the sport. Although his best years are likely behind him, Abdelaziz detailed exactly what the middleweight hopes to achieve in his new promotion.

“He’s looking to make his run at [the] light heavyweight title for [the] PFL. PFL is growing worldwide. They’re doing great things and you can do nothing but respect what they’re doing there.”

PFL has been making huge waves recently and is quickly rising to become considered the second-best organization in the sport. Their recent additions have all hit the ground running and ‘The One’ will be hoping to follow in their footsteps.

Related: Cedric Doumbe makes 9-second knockout debut at PFL Paris

Prior to his UFC release, Brunson was scheduled to face Roman Dolidze at the huge UFC 295 card in November. There was confusion as the bout fell through but Abdelaziz confirmed the fighter and the company came to a mutual agreement on his departure. 

“I think, man, sometimes your time is up. And the UFC is honestly great about that. A lot of other promotions, they try to hold you and they have all right to do. His time was up and it was mutual. It was very respectful. I’m grateful. I wanna thank Mick [Maynard], I wanna thank Dana [White] for making this happen. It’s very smooth, very respectful. Derek has nothing bad to say about the UFC, the UFC have nothing bad to say about him. I think UFC did a lot for Derek Brunson, you know? But I think Derek Brunson’s time there is done. And [now] he has to move up to light heavyweight and [is] probably going to win a million dollars in this tournament.”

🚨 BREAKING: Derek Brunson has signed with @PFLMMA and moving up to Light Heavyweight Division to compete in 1 Mil Tournament https://t.co/XqaJCYS1Bm pic.twitter.com/NaBcgFDVZg

— The Schmo (@TheSchmo312) October 5, 2023