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Derek Brunson suffered a second-round KO loss at the hands of Jared Cannonier at UFC 271. Many felt that a win for Brunson would secure him a middleweight title shot, but he now finds himself in a very different position. Brunson even indicated that his next UFC bout is likely to be his last.
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Retirement fights in the UFC are tricky. Typically, the promotion seeks to build up a new star in such a matchup as they know they have one on the way out. This could indicate that Brunson might face an up-and-comer division rather than an established name.
However, Brunson has proven capable of ending a surging contender's momentum, so doing this would be a risk. Instead, the UFC may opt for a bigger name who may not currently be on the best run of form to see if they can get that star back on track.
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With that in mind, here are five potential opponents for Derek Brunson after his latest setback:
#5. Derek Brunson vs. Jack Hermansson
The weekend before UFC 271 saw another big-time middleweight fight when Sean Strickland defeated Jack Hermansson via split decision. Hermansson has remained high in the rankings despite the loss and seems like an appropriate opponent for Brunson, given they are in similar positions.
This potential bout would be significant for the Scandinavian fighter should it happen. A win would quickly erase the loss to Strickland, and he'd be right back around the division's top five. However, if he were to suffer a second straight defeat, his stock would likely take a considerable hit.
A matchup between the two would also be very interesting stylistically. Both men are decorated grapplers, and Brunson would have to be careful when looking for takedowns given Hermansson's ability to secure submissions.
#4. Derek Brunson vs. Brad Tavares
Derek Brunson has several options for his retirement fight, and while Brad Tavares may not be the most high-profile, he does seem worthy. Tavares may be a little further down in the rankings, but he is on a two-fight win streak and appears to be deserving of a shot at the division's top ten.
It makes sense that with Brunson seemingly on the way out, the UFC would want to try and build a new star in Tavares.
Tavares may not be the most exciting name to pair with Brunson for his retirement fight, but it is a matchup that makes a lot of sense. A win for Brunson would be an impressive parting moment, whilst a win for his opponent would be a career-best victory.
#3. Derek Brunson vs. Paulo Costa
Paulo Costa's most recent performance was a baffling one against Marvin Vettori. Costa showed up to the bout substantially over the weight limit, and after losing, Dana White suggested his future would be in the light heavyweight division.
However, that move up is yet to materialize, and Costa appears to remain in the 185 lbs division. He is a thoroughly entertaining fighter to watch. The UFC could elect to pair him up with Brunson to see if 'Borrachinha' is able to end his two-fight skid.
Doing so against the No.4-ranked Brunson would make sense as, should he lose, Costa could then contemplate a move up to light heavyweight. If he were to pick up the win, he would be right back up there with the division's top fighters and not too far from the title picture.
#2. Derek Brunson vs. Robert Whittaker II
Derek Brunson wasn't the only man to lose a big-time middleweight fight at UFC 271. In the main event, Robert Whittaker suffered a unanimous decision loss to champion Israel Adesanya. Whittaker has lost both fights against the current champ and will need a few wins to create interest in a third bout.
What better way to do so than against the possibly retiring Derek Brunson? Brunson's retirement might make a bout with Whittaker less appealing to some, but it would allow Brunson to avenge his defeat to Whittaker. This would be a decent fight for Whittaker to start a charge for a trilogy with Adesanya.
This fight would also be perfect as it would allow Brunson to go out with a bang should he upset the former champ.
#1. Derek Brunson vs. Chris Weidman
It might be surprising to some that the lowest-ranked fighter on this list comes in at number one. With that being said, Chris Weidman is not your average No.15, and the former champion has lofty ambitions for his return from injury. Weidman would like to return this year, and a bout with Brunson seems like a perfect match.
Weidman may not be the same fighter after sustaining his horrific injury against Uriah Hall last year. For the moment, however, he is a big name with a great story that will make many people watch his fights. If he were able to beat Brunson, the UFC would then possibly build up Weidman as a top star again.
Weidman might also match up well against Brunson given that they are both incredibly decorated wrestlers. A win for Weidman would change the landscape of the middleweight division, whilst a loss would allow the UFC to bring in some fresh contenders into the rankings.
