By Sohaib Shams
Former UFC middleweight contender Derek Brunson has admitted he regrets requesting his release from the promotion in late 2023, saying he did not anticipate the subsequent surge in fighter bonuses and a lucrative broadcast deal with Paramount+.
UFC Release and Missed Opportunities
Brunson, 42, spent 11 years in the UFC and was considered a division gatekeeper with a record of 14 wins and seven losses, including 10 finishes. His departure came after consecutive losses to Jared Cannonier and Dricus du Plessis, both of whom later fought for the title. Since leaving, he has competed only twice — a decision win over Ray Cooper III in PFL and a grappling defeat to Rodolfo Vieira — while multiple planned fights fell through.
Financial Motivations and Failed Ventures
Money was a primary driver for seeking a release, but the expected high-paying opportunities have been scarce. Brunson was also affected by the collapse of the Global Fight League, which cancelled a scheduled bout in May 2025. He now believes that had he stayed, the increased bonuses and the Paramount+ deal would have significantly boosted his earnings.
Confidence in Current Ability
Despite the setbacks, Brunson insists he remains a top-five middleweight. He claims he would beat current champion Sean Strickland seven out of ten times and notes he was ranked higher than Strickland when the latter received his first title shot. Brunson acknowledges Strickland's contract dispute but says the pay disparity between them is substantial.
Potential BKFC Rematches
Brunson is set to debut for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), the promotion part-owned by Conor McGregor. The move could revive old rivalries: he choked out Darren Till in the UFC in 2021, and a planned boxing rematch with Till fell through earlier this year due to the Middle East conflict. Brunson also expressed interest in avenging a 12-year-old knockout loss to Yoel Romero, who recently defeated Till in BKFC's biggest bout to date. Brunson estimates he has 18 to 24 months left in his career and is open to any fight that makes sense for the promotion.
