Derek Brunson is able to rebound.
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto confirmed at the moment (Weds., Dec. 28, 2022) {that a} Middleweight contender title between the No. 5-ranked Brunson and No. 10 Dricus Du Plessis is on faucet for UFC 285 in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 4, 2023, within the T-Cellular Enviornment.
It’s been since Feb. 2022 that Brunson fought within the Octagon. The perennial 185-pound stalwart was considering retirement following no matter his subsequent loss could be after amassing a powerful five-fight win streak. Sadly for him, Jared Cannonier halted the momentum together with his elbows in spherical two of their UFC 271 encounter (watch highlights). Brunson’s final win was a third-round rear-naked choke submission of Darren Until in Sept. 2021 (watch highlights).
In the meantime, South Africa’s Du Plessis has emerged as a critical risk within the Middleweight waters, profitable his final six fights (4 in UFC). “Stillknocks” has grow to be recognized for his heavy arms and aggressive combating fashion, knocking out the likes of Markus Perez and Trevin Giles in his opening UFC bouts. His greatest win up to now got here in his final day out, nevertheless, submitting the aforementioned Until (watch highlights) in the identical style as Brunson; in spherical three of their UFC 282 conflict earlier this month (Dec. 10, 2022).
With the addition of Brunson versus Du Plessis, UFC 285 is dropped at six whole fights at current and extra notable match ups are imminent as 2023 quickly will get underway.
The present lineup for UFC 285 could be seen right here.
115lbs.: Jessica Penne vs. Tabatha Ricci
135lbs.: Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Farid Basharat
125lbs.: Amanda Ribas vs. Viviane Araújo
135lbs.: Cody Garbrandt vs. Julio Arce
185lbs.: Julian Marquez vs. Marc-André Barriault
185lbs.: Derek Brunson vs. Dricus du Plessis
