UFC middleweight Derek Brunson has left the UFC and joined the roster of the Professional Fighting League. The American had been vocal about being frustrated at never having gotten a title shot at the UFC, as well as the UFC’s matchmaking and politics. He was last seen at the UFC in March of this year, where he was defeated by Dricus Du Plessis.

In an effort to participate in the light heavyweight class and earn a shot at $1 million in the yearly tournament, Brunson made the decision to ask to be released from the UFC and sign with the PFL. And in a recent interview, the American went in-depth about why he made the move and what Dana White told him in a call.

Derek Brunson reveals what Dana White said to him after PFL move

Brunson will fight Ray Cooper III in his first appearance at the PFL. The UFC competitor has become the second-largest MMA promotion in the world after acquiring Bellator earlier this month. This deal has bolstered the roster of the Don Davis-led promotion, which had signed former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou after his UFC exit.

“I think it was at the time that we both went our separate ways. I had a good run there but I guess where I’m at in my career, at my age, some of the things that go on there didn’t make sense for me. It was just tough to get up for these fights, for all these top guys. It was just perfect time for both of us to move on,” Brunson told ‘MMA Fighting’ about the reason behind securing a release from the UFC.

Brunson also revealed that he had gotten a call from the UFC boss recently. He revealed that White was cordial to him and made clear that he in no way wanted to slight the American about comments he had made on the subject. The PFL fighter stated that there was no animosity or ill will between him and his former promotion.

“Somebody asked Dana [White] something about me at the last card and Dana called me right after. He’s like ‘I didn’t hear what they said, it could have come across as weird but I wanted to let you know I wasn’t trying to slight you or anything like that.’ It was no animosity, no ill will,” Brunson added.

Brunson hours away from his PFL debut

On November 24, 2023, Derek Brunson will compete in a middleweight bout at the PFL World Championship Finals against Ray Cooper III, the former two-time PFL welterweight champion. In addition to testing himself at his new home, Brunson is still driven to establish himself as one of the world’s greatest fighters.

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What do you think about Brunson’s move to the PFL? Do you think he should have stayed at the UFC? Or do you think he made the right decision by moving to the PFL? Let us know in the comments section below.

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