Back from Fight Island, UFC Fight Night Vegas 5 was centred around Rhonda Rousey’s red hot prospect Edmen Shahbazyan. Undefeated and representing out of Glendale CA, Shahbazyan entered his bout with Derek Brunson as a sizable favourite at around -360. Many expected the fight to go similarly to many of the youngster's previous bouts, a first-round knockout. Brunson had become known as a bit of a gatekeeper in the middleweight division and many expected the UFC veteran to serve as a stepping stone on Shahbazyan's route to the main event scene, but that wasn't to be.
Despite a fast and strong start for Shahbazyan, the change in Brunson’s style was evident early. The veteran evolved and, under the tutelage of kickboxing great Henry Hooft, massive improvements were made helping momentum shift pretty quickly. By utilizing his All-American wrestling D2 skills Brunson kept Shahbazyan heavily controlled throughout the first two rounds, landing some serious ground and pound. Heading into the third round there was even doubt whether Shahbazyan would/should be able to continue. The youngster's cardio had betrayed him and Brunson was dominating. Almost immediately into the third round, the fight was stopped as the veteran emerged victorious, leaving the no longer undefeated prospect beaten and bloodied.
The important question is, what's next for Brunson? Having picked up big wins over former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, Ian Heinisch, Uriah Hall and now Shahbazyan, it's clear the 36-year-old has earned a fight against higher-ranked competition heading forwards. With that in mind, here are three potential fights to make for Brunson next.
Jack Hermansson
The first fight the UFC should consider is a clash with #6 ranked Jack Hermansson. Coming off an impressive victory over Kelvin Gastelum, Hermansson would be the most ideal opponent. Both looked really strong in their last outings, the clash of styles and the unpredictability will almost ensure a battle that fans will not forget.
Hermansson’s awkwardness clashing with a patient Brunson sounds like a very exciting match-up. In addition, it would seemingly fit perfect in the title picture as the middleweight landscape progresses with Israel Adesanya soon to face Paulo Costa.
Robert Whittaker
The second best option would be waiting for the loser of the freshly signed bout between Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier. The great thing about this match-up is that either the winner or the loser is an ideal and most importantly, a relevant fight for Brunson. It would make a lot of sense to pit Whittaker against him in a rematch in the circumstance that he loses, and seeing as Whittaker is a former middleweight champion it would support Brunson’s chances at a future title shot.
Jared Cannonier
On the other side of the coin, another possible fight is with Whittaker's upcoming opponent Cannonier. Sidelined due to a pectoral injury, the 36-year-old is due to return in October, but is not exactly interested in any bout other than for a title. Cannonier has been very clear he is ready and wants his title shot, emphasizing his point with a vicious finish of Anderson Silva at UFC 237. Unfortunately, that match up seems less likely to take place, but nonetheless, a guaranteed action-packed fight.
At this moment in time, Brunson’s options are a bit shallow unless he fights down in the rankings. Aside from Hermansson signing the dotted line, Whittaker and Cannonier are tied up and Darren Till is set for a spell on the sidelines injured, so Brunson may be forced to wait for the right development before he gets back in the octagon.
The middleweight title picture is set to get real interesting as UFC 253 approaches nearer, with unbeaten Israel Adesanya set to defend his title against fellow undefeated fighter Paulo Costa.
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