Derek Brunson may have punched his ticket to a UFC middleweight title shot earlier today (Sat., Sept. 4, 2021) at UFC Vegas 36 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when the veteran contender stopped Darren Till in the main event via third-round submission (rear-naked choke).
Till came out firing trying to close the gap and make Brunson fight off his back foot. It didn’t last long and Brunson moved in for the first takedown of the fight. From there, Brunson landed heavy ground-and-pound that bounced Till’s head off the canvas. Till somehow survived. Brunson went back to the well in the second to score another takedown mid-way through the round. Till did very little to return to his feet.
In Round 3, Till was able to finally defend a few takedowns and score some solid kicks and punches on the feet. He even had Brunson hurt halfway through the round, but Brunson was able to quickly land another takedown, gain back control, and sink in the deciding choke.
Check out the video highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN:
Sweet Caroline is reserved for the sold out shows. #UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/zPnNql4vdK
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2021
Blonde Brunson is built different #UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/M0ygblAnEc
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2021
Main. Event. Feels.
Let’s go! #UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/6z0Gwa1Oul
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2021
Brunson in on the takedown and GnP early! #UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/B60UTedlbd
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2021
The grappling from Brunson is an issue through round 2??. #UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/EEwXgtPnRv
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2021
Sólido segundo round para Brunson, así entendemos su técnica #UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/h7dZMrCfAB
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) September 4, 2021
DOMINATION
@DerekBrunson calls for a rematch with the champ after submitting Till. #UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/0q8dzG2z2u
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2021
For complete UFC Vegas 36 results and coverage click here.