Derek Brunson will make his debut with the PFL at PFL Championship later this year, taking on former winner Ray Cooper III. The ex-UFC fighter signed a deal with the promotion recently, moving to middleweight.
Derek Brunson-Ray Cooper III Set For PFL Championship
Former UFC fighter Derek Brunson will make his PFL debut this year vs. Ray Cooper III.
Brunson and Cooper will be part of the season-finale PFL Championship event. The card takes place live on ESPN Networks on November 24 from The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
With a record of 23-9, Brunson will be shifting from light heavyweight to middleweight for the bout. He signed a multi-fight contract with the PFL after his contract expired with the UFC.
“The 2023 PFL World Championship is set to be the grandest event in PFL history, and we are excited to welcome Derek Brunson to the PFL and host the return of two-time PFL World Champion, Ray Cooper III,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “MMA’s richest night will feature the biggest stars in MMA vying for six world championships and $6 million, while including the return of Kayla Harrison and Biaggio Ali Walsh.”
PFL Championship will feature six world title fights with the winner receiving $1 million each.
PFL Championship
PFL PPV ESPN+
PFL Lightweight Championship
- #2 Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. #1 Clay Collard
PFL Heavyweight Championship
- #1 Denis Goltsov vs. #2 Renan Ferreira
PFL Women’s Featherweight Championship
- #1 Larissa Pacheco vs. # Marina Mokhnatkina
Showcase – Women’s Featherweight
- Kayla Harrison vs. Julia Budd
PFL Welterweight Championship
- #3 Sadibou Sy vs. #1 Magomed Magomedkerimov
PFL Featherweight Championship
- #2 Gabriel Braga vs. #4 Jesus Pinedo
PFL Light Heavyweight Championship
- #1 Joshua Silveira vs. #3 Impa Kasanganay
ESPN+ Prelims
Showcase – Middleweight
- Ray Cooper III vs. Derek Brunson
Lightweight Amateur
- Biaggio Ali Walsh vs. Joel Lopez
Showcase – Featherweight
- Bubba Jenkins vs. Chris Wade
Showcase – Bantamweight
- Khai Wu vs. Phil Caracappa
Showcase – Featherweight
- Jesse Stirn vs. Josh Blyden
