Derek Brunson was a huge asset to the UFC roster. However, in September 2023, the organization decided to part ways with the veteran fighter. While no big reasons were released regarding his departure, fans couldn’t help but speculate. Now, would it help if Brunson pitched in himself?

Derek Brunson is now a rather happy PFL fighter. He recently made a grand debut against two-time former champion Ray Cooper III at the PFL World Championship. Clearly, his transition has been happening. So why did he leave the UFC after all? Here’s his take.

Derek Brunson has his priorities set

Brunson spent 11 years fighting in the UFC. After taking up arms about 21 times inside the Octagon, his time with the promotion ended. However, within months, news of him joining the Professional Fighter’s League surfaced, and soon after, he dominated a former champ with his grappling prowess.

Was it all a calculated move? Perhaps it was, or maybe it was just how things unfolded. Recently, Brunson answered a question regarding his exit from the promotion, and it’s difficult to decipher how serious he is about it. Here’s what he said in an X post.

It looks like all ‘The One’ wanted was to make and win sports bets. And in the UFC, there are some restrictions. Calling himself the ‘Parlay King’ Brunson laughed it off with ease. But are there bigger reasons behind his exit? There are some speculations. Many wonder if he left because of the money PFL was offering. Which is rumored to be $1 million for the fighter.

However, the biggest reason could be the promotion not allowing him to fight Jake Paul in spite of both fighters being in agreement. Meanwhile, fighters like Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor were allowed to venture into boxing. Does this make things unfair for Brunson? Will he get to fight Paul now?

Call-outs all over the place

Once Brunson had proudly announced his arrival in the PFL with a marvelous win, Jake Paul was still on his mind. In a post-fight interview, he openly called out ‘The Problem Child’, and perhaps his callouts can have some effect. Here’s what he said afterward.

Also Read: Did Derek Brunson Take PEDs and Steroids for His PFL Debut Fight? Ex-UFC Star Comes Clean on His “PFL vs. UFC Physique” Debate

“I came here to ball, where the hell is Jake Paul? I came here for the big fights. Next time we’re going to look for the finish.” Clearly, his eyes are still set on that one potential fight. “Jake Paul is now with the PFL, we’ve got a bit of history. He asked Dana to fight me a couple years ago, so that’s a possibility. People saw me going over to the PFL and thought the timetable was there and it was perfect.” He had said in a previous interview, will the two fight soon? Would you like to see this fight? Let us know in the comments.

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