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Gets by Elias Theodorou in Ottawa
Brunson defeated Elias Theodorou via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Ottawa.
ANALYSIS
While it wasn't the dominant stoppage win Brunson was seeking, it was a nice bounce back performance on the heels of back-to-back losses against Israel Adesanya and Jacare Souza. Brunson started quickly and finished strongly. In between, his second round was rather unmemorable, but he did enough in the first and third frames to emerge victorious. Brunson landed four-of-nine takedown attempts against an over matched Theodorou including a couple memorable slams. Brunson's fight IQ is highly questionable, but he's clearly an explosive athlete. The 35-year-old needs to put together a string of victories at 185 pounds.
While it wasn't the dominant stoppage win Brunson was seeking, it was a nice bounce back performance on the heels of back-to-back losses against Israel Adesanya and Jacare Souza. Brunson started quickly and finished strongly. In between, his second round was rather unmemorable, but he did enough in the first and third frames to emerge victorious. Brunson landed four-of-nine takedown attempts against an over matched Theodorou including a couple memorable slams. Brunson's fight IQ is highly questionable, but he's clearly an explosive athlete. The 35-year-old needs to put together a string of victories at 185 pounds.
Set to face Theodorou in Ottawa
Brunson has been announced for UFC Ottawa against Elias Theodorou on May 4 in a middleweight bout, Aaron Bronsteter of TSN.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
Although the headliners have yet to be announced for Ottawa, Brunson and Theodorou are currently the highlight of the event. Brunson comes in on a cold streak with a 2-4 record over his last six outings, but he can be given some leeway with two of those losses coming to Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya. He'll look to break out of the slump against the Canadian Theodorou, who is ranked six spots lower than Brunson at 14th but also comes in as winner in five of his last six.
Although the headliners have yet to be announced for Ottawa, Brunson and Theodorou are currently the highlight of the event. Brunson comes in on a cold streak with a 2-4 record over his last six outings, but he can be given some leeway with two of those losses coming to Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya. He'll look to break out of the slump against the Canadian Theodorou, who is ranked six spots lower than Brunson at 14th but also comes in as winner in five of his last six.
Falls to 2-4 in last six fights after setback at UFC 230
Brunson lost to Israel Adesanya via TKO (punches) at 4:51 of Round 1 at UFC 230 on Saturday in New York City.
ANALYSIS
While Brunson has countless physical gifts, his fight IQ is dreadful and it cost him once again on Saturday. He repeatedly went for lazy, single-leg takedown attempts (he failed on all seven tries) and Adesanya smashed him in the face with a knee before Brunson could try for number eight. Brunson was staggered the rest of the way and referee Herb Dean was eventually forced to intervene after Brunson ate another half dozen vicious shots. Brunson is going to have his fair share of impressive performances moving forward, but he doesn't learn from his past mistakes and he's too old (35 in January) to expect things to change at this point. He is now 2-4 in his last six fights dating back to November 2016.
While Brunson has countless physical gifts, his fight IQ is dreadful and it cost him once again on Saturday. He repeatedly went for lazy, single-leg takedown attempts (he failed on all seven tries) and Adesanya smashed him in the face with a knee before Brunson could try for number eight. Brunson was staggered the rest of the way and referee Herb Dean was eventually forced to intervene after Brunson ate another half dozen vicious shots. Brunson is going to have his fair share of impressive performances moving forward, but he doesn't learn from his past mistakes and he's too old (35 in January) to expect things to change at this point. He is now 2-4 in his last six fights dating back to November 2016.
To fight Israel Adesanya
Brunson will face off against Israel Adesanya on Nov. 3 at Madison Square Garden during UFC 230, Shaun Al-Shatti of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Brunson (18-6), after a two-fight win streak, most recently lost to Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza by first-round knockout. Brunson is 9-4 as a middleweight in UFC, with seven of those victories coming by first-round stoppage. Adesanya (14-0) has racked up victories during his first three UFC bouts, defeating Rob Wilkinson, Marvin Vettori and Brad Tavares.
Brunson (18-6), after a two-fight win streak, most recently lost to Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza by first-round knockout. Brunson is 9-4 as a middleweight in UFC, with seven of those victories coming by first-round stoppage. Adesanya (14-0) has racked up victories during his first three UFC bouts, defeating Rob Wilkinson, Marvin Vettori and Brad Tavares.
Knocked out again by Jacare Souza Saturday in Charlotte
Brunson lost to Jacare Souza via TKO (strikes) at 3:50 of Round 1 at UFC on FOX 27 on Saturday in Charlotte.
ANALYSIS
Brunson for some reason just can't seem to handle Jacare. Knowing he was in for a five-round fight on Saturday, Brunson fought at a much slower pace earlier in the fight than we have seem from him of late. He looked like the more fluid and comfortable striker despite the fact Jacare was consistently landing with counter shots. The two men were in the center of the octagon when Souza landed a head kick that staggered Brunson and eventually led to the finish. It was a highly disappointing performance from Brunson in front of family and friends. Even more concerning is the fact that this setback essentially eliminates him from the title picture in the UFC's middleweight division. Brunson, who turned 34 years old earlier this month, is no spring chicken.
Brunson for some reason just can't seem to handle Jacare. Knowing he was in for a five-round fight on Saturday, Brunson fought at a much slower pace earlier in the fight than we have seem from him of late. He looked like the more fluid and comfortable striker despite the fact Jacare was consistently landing with counter shots. The two men were in the center of the octagon when Souza landed a head kick that staggered Brunson and eventually led to the finish. It was a highly disappointing performance from Brunson in front of family and friends. Even more concerning is the fact that this setback essentially eliminates him from the title picture in the UFC's middleweight division. Brunson, who turned 34 years old earlier this month, is no spring chicken.