5 potential opponents for Derek Brunson after UFC 271 setback

#2. Derek Brunson vs. Robert Whittaker II

Whittaker is ranked No.1 with a record of 23-6

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.

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#1. Derek Brunson vs. Chris Weidman

Weidman is ranked No.15 with a record of 15-6

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.