When Derek Brunson signed with the UFC in 2012 after a knockout loss to Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in Strikeforce, most were unsure what to expect out of him.
Since that time, though, Brunson has won six of seven and finds himself right on the cusp of moving into title contention. He faces Uriah Hall Saturday night in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 94 on FOX Sports 1.
A pro since 2010, the former three-time NCAA Div. II wrestling All-American at North Carolina-Pembroke, Brunson (16-3) has always tried to keep emotions out of his fights. That’s not the case with Hall, a former runner-up on The Ultimate Fighter.
“(This fight) is personal; I really don’t like him,” Brunson said. “Just him running his mouth, being arrogant, being cocky – I joke and I play around, but I feel that he really believes what he says; I really don’t like that.”
Brunson, who has scored three first round finishes over Roan Carneiro, Sam Alvey and Ed Herman since a 2014 decision win vs. Lorenz Larkin, plans on making Saturday night a bout for those in attendance in Hidalgo, Texas.
“I’m doing this for the fans too,” he said. “For anyone to beat me in a fight, they’re going to have to get lucky. I’m well-rounded, fast and explosive. I work hard. I’m not saying they can’t get lucky, but they’ll have to get lucky.
“That’s all Uriah Hall has to rely on, to get lucky.”
