Longtime UFC veteran Derek Brunson has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and is expected to compete in the light heavyweight division and in the promotion’s $1 million tournament in 2024, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz.
Derek Brunson, the respected UFC veteran, has found a new home for his fights, according to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz. In September, Brunson left UFC and has now penned a contract with the PFL, a move confirmed by Abdelaziz during an interview with The Schmo on Thursday. This marks a significant shift in the fighter’s career, as he has enjoyed a long stint with UFC.
Brunson’s manager, Abdelaziz, further revealed that Brunson intends to compete in the light heavyweight division. There are also plans for him to participate in PFL’s $1 million tournament slated for 2024. The veteran fighter, known for his middleweight skirmishes, was regularly ranked and even approached title contention on various occasions during his tenure.
Brunson leaves behind quite the legacy with a nearly 11-year run under the UFC umbrella. His record includes victories over prominent fighters such as Darren Till, Kevin Holland, Lyoto Machida, and Uriah Hall. His manager Abdelaziz expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Brunson had at UFC, emphasizing that his experiences there “helped shape who he is today.”
The manager’s commentary highlights the respect and admiration they have for UFC and its role in Brunson’s career. However, Abdelaziz also shared that it was time to move on, expressing excitement for Brunson’s future at PFL. By continuing his career at 205 pounds with the PFL, Brunson certainly enters a new phase of his fighting career. It will be interesting to see how he performs in his new environment and division.