D. Brunson in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Instagram
Defeated by Israel adesanya in 2018, Derek Brunson believes he has a score to settle with the current middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg.). On the front line for a future title fight, the veteran admitted to having underestimated his rival in the first meeting and guarantees that he will not make the same mistake, if he has a new opportunity to face him. In an interview with 'The MMA Hour', the athlete spoke about the stumble at UFC 230.
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“I was furious when I returned to the locker room (at UFC 230). He thought: 'I can't believe this happened'. I was angry because I was able to win easily. I managed to arrest his body. When I do this, I win easily. I would say I underestimated him. I thought I would crush this guy with ease,” Brunson said.
Willing to share the octagon again with Adesanya who, at the time, was not yet the champion of the group, Derek continued to analyze that moment. The stumble against Israel marked the last defeat in the career of the veteran, who is enjoying a great moment in the organization.
“When I say I underestimate people, it’s not disrespectful. I just think I know the way. I was training with soccer moms and dads, firefighters, police officers. These were my training partners. They weren't professional fighters. I was killing these guys in the gym and I'm going into the fight without being ready for a high level guy in front of me”, he concluded.
With five consecutive victories under his belt, Brunson is in fourth place in the middleweight group. The athlete awaits the outcome of the clash between Adesanya and Robert whittaker, UFC 270, to find out if he will reach the title fight he dreamed of.
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