Derek Brunson – Photo via Strikeforce.com
Following a successful Octagon debut last December former Strikeforce middleweight Derek Brunson (10-2) will look to make it two in a row when he steps into the cage opposite Brazilian native Ronny Markes (14-1) at the upcoming UFC on FUEL TV 10 event this summer.
News of the matchup surfaced earlier today at Tatame.com who confirmed the fight with Brunson “I love this fight. He’s a tough guy, but I’m going to Brazil to earn fans and win. I always wanted to fight for the UFC in Brazil.”
UFC on Fuel TV: Nogueira vs. Werdum (aka UFC on FUEL TV 10 and TUF Brazil 2) will host the season two finals of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil and is expected to take place on June 8, 2013 at Ginásio Paulo Sarasate in Fortaleza, Brazil. Officials with the promotion have yet to confirm the bout.
Brunson debuted last December at UFC 155, picking up a unanimous decision over fan favorite Chris Leben. Brunson stepped in as a late replacement for an injured Karlos Vemola at the Vegas event. Prior to that, the middleweight fought in the Strikeforce cage, losing by first round knockout to Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza in August 2012.
Markes has won his last seven bouts which includes three under the UFC banner. He fought at home in Brazil in his last bout, earning a decision victory over Andrew Craig at the UFC on FX 7 show last January. Markes dropped down to middleweight before that, winning his 185-lbs debut via split decision over Aaron Simpson at UFC on FUEL TV 1.