I n late 2023, veteran middleweight Derek Brunson requested his UFC release. It was granted.

Three years on, Brunson is almost melancholic when reflecting on that career choice. The American, who spent 11 years competing for the UFC, was well regarded as a gatekeeper of the division. While on a two-fight losing streak at the time of his exit, those defeats were to Jared Cannonier , who fought for the title in his next fight, and Dricus Du Plessis , who won the title two fights later.

Those aren’t exactly two results that indicate a fighter is finished. But since leaving, he’s been caught in the combat wilderness, competing just twice with multiple fights falling through. Meanwhile, the UFC has increased its fighter bonuses and visibility through its lucrative broadcast deal with Paramount+ , doing away with the pay-per-view model.…