Derek Brunson is looking to fight a top-five middleweight and called out Paulo Costa.
At UFC Vegas 22, Brunson used his wrestling to control Holland and win a clear-cut decision. It was his fourth win in a row and the fourth time in a row he had to fight someone lower in the ranks who were trying to make a name off of him.
After his win, Brunson called out Costa and at the post-fight press conference, he explained why he did that.
“I can’t really say I was too excited about this fight (with Holland),” Brunson said after the fight. “I was asking for guys like Costa. I was cool with a Robert Whittaker rematch. I want one of these top guys that’s really going to elevate me. So this was a fight where I had to hold serve. I want a guy that will really elevate me that I can get really excited for and really feel like this is the fight for me.”
Based on the rankings, Derek Brunson vs Paulo Costa does make sense. They can headline a fight night card this summer and the winner would likely be a win away from a title shot.
Brunson does have a small cut he has to heal but is ready for the Costa fight in a few months.
“I got a little cut (on my face),” Brunson said.” I’m going to take some time and let it heal, but I want to get back in there in a couple months. Get a fight going. So that’s kind of where I’m at.”
For now, Derek Brunson is still celebrating his win over Kevin Holland. He got the chance to shut up Holland which was his goal and is likely in line for a big fight. Brunson has also looked like a different fighter since going to Sanford MMA.
