Derek Brunson’s performance against Ian Heinisch at UFC 241 surprised many observers, and his choice of next opponent is likely to raise some eyebrows as well, as he offered to welcome a former welterweight contender to the middleweight division.
Brunson, a talented, dangerous but often erratic middleweight, looked like a different fighter on Saturday night as he delivered a composed, strategic performance across three rounds. Despite being on the receiving end of a head kick in the opening exchanges, Brunson remained calm and continued working his game plan.
Brunson ended up defeating Heinisch by unanimous decision and in his post-fight interview he credited UFC analyst and former bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz for his performance turnaround.