Learn more about Derek Brunson's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Pro since 2010
- 12 wins by KO, three by submission (3 RNC)
- Fourteen first round finishes, seven in 1:16 or less
- Has won 12 of his last 17 and three in a row
UFC History
UFC Fight Night (8/1/20) Brunson stopped Edmen Shahbazyan via strikes at :26 of the third round
UFC 241 (8/17/19) Brunson won a three round unanimous decision over Ian Heinisch
UFC Fight Night (5/4/19) Brunson won a three round unanimous decision over Elias Theodorou
UFC 230 (11/3/18) Brunson was stopped by Israel Adesanya via strikes at 4:51 of the first round
UFC on FOX (1/27/18) Brunson was knocked out by Ronaldo Souza at 3:50 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (10/28/17) Brunson knocked out Lyoto Machida at 2:30 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (6/11/17) Brunson knocked out Dan Kelly at 1:16 of the first round
UFC 208 (2/11/17) Brunson lost a three round unanimous decision to Anderson Silva
UFC Fight Night (11/27/16) Brunson was stopped by Robert Whittaker via strikes at 4:07 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (9/17/16) Brunson stopped Uriah Hall via strikes at 1:41 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (2/21/16) Brunson stopped Roan Carneiro via strikes at 2:38 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (8/8/15) Brunson stopped Sam Alvey via strikes at 2:19 of the first round
UFC 183 (1/31/15) Brunson stopped Ed Herman via strikes at :36 of the first round
UFC 177 (8/30/14) Brunson won a three round unanimous decision over Lorenz Larkin
UFC Fight Night (1/15/14) Brunson was stopped by Yoel Romero via strikes at 3:23 of the third round
UFC Fight for the Troops (11/6/13) Brunson submitted Brian Houston via rear naked choke at :48 of the first round
UFC 155 (12/29/12) Brunson won a three round unanimous decision over Chris Leben
STRIKEFORCE HISTORY
Rousey vs. Kaufman (8/18/12) Brunson was knocked out by Ronaldo Souza at :41 of the first round
Challengers 20 (11/18/11) Brunson won a three round unanimous decision over Nate James
Fedor vs. Henderson (7/30/11) Brunson submitted Lumumba Sayers via rear naked choke at 4:33 of the first round
Challengers 16 (6/24/11) Brunson won a three round unanimous decision over Jeremy Hamilton
Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting? Nov 2009. I love to compete, and losing isn't my thing.
What ranks and titles have you held? Evolution MMA / PCSP, BJJ purple belt
Do you have any heroes? Friends and family
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC has been my goal since Day One.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes - BA in Criminal justice
What was your job before you started fighting? In-home therapist / case worker
Ranks in any martial arts styles: Three-time DII wrestling All-American
Favorite grappling technique: slams
Favorite Striking technique: knockouts
