Derek Brunson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Derek Brunson |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | Derek T. Brunson January 4, 1984 Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Other names | The One |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 186 lb (84 kg; 13.3 st) |
| Division | Middleweight |
| Reach | 77 in (196 cm) |
| Style | Wrestling, BJJ |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Fighting out of | Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Team | Port City Sports Performance (until 2019) Kill Cliff FC (2019–present) Renzo Gracie Academy Jackson's MMA (formerly) |
| Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie |
| Wrestling | NCAA Division II Wrestling |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 33 |
| Wins | 24 |
| By knockout | 12 |
| By submission | 4 |
| By decision | 8 |
| Losses | 9 |
| By knockout | 7 |
| By decision | 2 |
| University | North Carolina at Pembroke |
Derek T. Brunson (born January 4, 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist, also known as an MMA fighter. He currently fights in the Light heavyweight division for the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is best known for his long career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he fought 21 times between 2012 and 2023.
Contents
Early Life and Sports
Derek Brunson grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. In high school, he was a talented athlete who participated in both cheerleading and wrestling.
After high school, he earned a wrestling scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. There, he became a three-time All-American in NCAA Division II wrestling, which means he was one of the best college wrestlers in the country. While in college, he studied criminal justice.
After finishing college, Brunson decided to become a professional MMA fighter. Before his fighting career, he worked as a therapist.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Starting Out
Brunson began his professional MMA career in May 2010. He won his first fight in less than a minute by using a special hold called a rear-naked choke to make his opponent give up. He went on to win his next five fights very quickly, with none of them lasting longer than a few minutes.
Fighting in Strikeforce
In 2011, Brunson joined a major MMA organization called Strikeforce. He won his first fight there by a unanimous decision, meaning all the judges agreed he was the winner. He won two more fights in Strikeforce, showing off his strong wrestling skills.
In 2012, he had his first professional loss against the famous fighter Ronaldo Souza.
Joining the UFC
Brunson made his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on December 29, 2012. He was a last-minute replacement and wasn't expected to win, but he used his excellent wrestling to defeat Chris Leben.
Over the next few years, Brunson had many exciting fights in the UFC. He became known for his powerful striking and ability to win by knockout (KO) or technical knockout (TKO).
Key UFC Fights
- Fight against Yoel Romero: In January 2014, Brunson fought Yoel Romero. After winning the first two rounds, Brunson lost the fight in the third round. The match was so exciting that both fighters won a "Fight of the Night" bonus.
- Winning Streak: Between 2015 and 2016, Brunson won five fights in a row. Four of these wins were by knockout in the first round. He defeated fighters like Sam Alvey and Uriah Hall.
- Fight against Robert Whittaker: In 2016, he fought Robert Whittaker in another thrilling match. Although Brunson lost, the fight was named "Fight of the Night."
- Victories over Legends: Brunson had big wins against famous fighters. In 2017, he knocked out Lyoto Machida in the first round, earning a "Performance of the Night" bonus.
- Later UFC Career: From 2019 to 2021, Brunson had another impressive winning streak, defeating five opponents in a row, including Kevin Holland and Darren Till. His last fight in the UFC was in March 2023. He left the organization later that year after a successful career with 14 wins in the Middleweight division.
Professional Fighters League (PFL)
In October 2023, Brunson signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He moved up to the light heavyweight division. He won his first fight in the PFL in November 2023 against Ray Cooper III.
Personal Life
Brunson has four children. He is known for living a very healthy lifestyle.
Championships and Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Derek Brunson has achieved a lot in both wrestling and MMA.
Mixed Martial Arts
Fight of the Night (2 times): For his exciting fights against Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker. Performance of the Night (1 time): For his knockout win over Lyoto Machida. UFC Records: He is tied for the third-most wins (14) and third-most finishes (9) in the history of the UFC's Middleweight division.
College Sports
NCAA Division II All-American Wrestler: He earned this honor three times while wrestling for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
See also
In Spanish: Derek Brunson para niños
- List of current PFL fighters
- List of male mixed martial artists
