MMA Knockout

Ex-UFC Veteran Calls Out Jake Paul After Unexpected UFC Exit

The UFC veteran previously suggested he'd like to face Paul back in 2021.

Drew Beaupré

Ex-UFC Veteran Calls Out Jake Paul After Unexpected UFC Exit
Ex-UFC Veteran Calls Out Jake Paul After Unexpected UFC Exit /

Top middleweight contender Derek Brunson has parted ways with the UFC after more than a decade in the promotion and now appears to be pursuing a fight with Jake Paul.

Sean Strickland Called Out by Old Rival: 'Here's Your Chance to Redeem Your Man Card'

It briefly looked as if "The One" might retire from fighting after he lost to Dricus Du Plessis in March before being booked to meet fellow top middleweight Roman Dolidze at UFC 295 in November.

Dolidze broke the news this week that Brunson had withdrawn from their matchup and proceeded to call out another pair of high-profile names to fight this year, but the Georgian did take some time to wish the longtime UFC veteran the best after it was revealed he was no longer on the promotion’s roster.

"No matter what happened, wish you good luck in your next journey." - Dolidze wrote.

Brunson’s apparent removal from the UFC roster did cause a brief period of confusion until his manager Ali Abdelaziz confirmed to ESPN that the 39-year-old had in fact parted ways with the company and is now a free agent.

READ MORE: Conor McGregor Slams Former UFC Fighter For Calling Out Justin Gaethje

“The One” will almost certainly be courted by some of the other major promotions in MMA, but Brunson quickly decided to call for an unexpected matchup that he first suggested back in 2021.

"JAKE . JAKE . JAKE" - Brunson wrote. 

Brunson’s callout of Paul doesn't indicate whether the UFC veteran is requesting an MMA bout or intends to challenge “Problem Child” in the boxing ring, but even if Paul seemed interested in the matchup two years ago there’s no guarantee that it will still be on his radar now after his latest boxing win over former UFC title challenger Nate Diaz.

Brunson closed out his time in the UFC with back-to-back stoppage losses but was on an impressive five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2021. The 39-year-old was a staple of the promotion’s middleweight top-15 for years and shared the Octagon with some of the division’s best fighters across 21 bouts with the UFC.

UFC Slugger Makes Bold Challenge: Paddy Pimblett, Dan Hooker, Justin Gaethje in His Crosshairs

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter and Facebook.

Published
Home/UFC