“I made so much cash,” Ex-UFC fighter Derek Brunson happy with PFL remuneration on debut claims he won’t have to fight again

Discover how Derek Brunson's PFL debut, Kayla Harrison's return, and the million-dollar winners are shaping the future of MMA, along with the PFL's acquisition of Bellator.

“I made so much cash,” Ex-UFC fighter Derek Brunson happy with PFL remuneration on debut claims he won’t have to fight again

Derek Brunson at PFL (Image via: X/Derek Brunson)

Derek Brunson made his PFL debut at the recently concluded PFL 10 2023. In the middleweight bout, he defeated two-time PFL champion, Ray Cooper III via unanimous decision. In his post-fight interview, he called out Jake Paul who will be making his MMA debut on PFL.

Brunson is a veteran UFC fighter who has fought the likes of Israel Adesanya, Robert Whitaker, Yoel Romero, Anderson Silva, and Jared Cannonier in the UFC. He recently put out a tweet about his deal with the PFL. This is what he tweeted.

I made so much cash tonight, I may never fight again. It’s been real guys. PFL took care of your boy !!
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Apparently, Brunson is getting paid a huge amount of money in the PFL. He was grateful to the PFL and already showered praise on them after the victory over Cooper. After signing with the PFL, Brunson earlier announced that he would be part of the 2024 light heavyweight tournament. With the PFL acquiring Bellator MMA, big fights are on the horizon for Brunson at middleweight and light heavyweight.

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In addition to Brunson making his debut and Kayla Harrison returning after a layoff, 6 fighters won $1 million at the event. This includes 4 former UFC fighters. Among the 4, Impa Kasanganay‘s story is worth mentioning. Kasanganay’s father came to the US with less than $20 in his pocket from Congo. Moreover, Kasanganay was broke and even lived in his car for some time after he was released by the UFC.

Derek Brunson wants viral knockout star Joaquin Buckley in the PFL

Impa Kasanganay was knocked out by Joaquin Buckley in a highlight reel finish. However, Buckley was one of the first to congratulate Kasanganay after the victory. Buckley congratulated his former foe with a tweet. Even though Buckley secured a highlight reel knockout of Kasangay, his earnings from the UFC pales in comparison to the $1 million paycheck.

Derek Bruson wants Joaquin Buckley in the UFC
Derek Bruson wants Joaquin Buckley in the UFC (Image via Instagram)

Brunson noticed the tweet and found it amusing. He retweeted it urging Buckley to sign with the PFL. This is what Brunson tweeted.

I’ll put in a word for you . Come on over.

Buckley is one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC. After moving down to welterweight, Buckley won two in a row. Recently, he called for a spot at UFC 296 PPV. He bashed Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson claiming that he would withdraw from his scheduled bout with Shavkat Rakhmonov.

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