Derek Brunson snaps losing streak with win over Elias Theodorou at UFC Ottawa

Middleweight UFC contender Derek Brunson snapped a three-fight losing streak Saturday in Ottawa with a unanimous decision victory over the surging Elias Theodorou.

“This is a rebirth. I’m 35 and I’m still getting better.”

The contest was fought at a frenetic pace set by both men, but in the end Brunson’s grappling in rounds one and three won the day for him. Scores were 29-28 (twice), and 30-27 for Brunson.

Brunson got past multiple kick attempts from Theodorou to score his first takedown of the bout one minute into the first round. From there, he worked immediately to the mounted position, then took the Canadian’s back when he turned to attempt escape.

With both legs hooked around Theodorou’s waist, Brunson attempted two deep chokes from the rear before the “Ultimate Fighter” winner escaped both.

Theodorou arguably won the second stanza with excellent distance control and footwork, changing stances and landing both roundhouse and linear kicks often. In the third round, however, Brunson stormed back with big takedowns, including one thundering head-over-heels slam:

Each time he was felled, Theodorou skillfully worked back to his feet and didn’t hesitate to fire off his own offense with spinning backfists and more kicks from there. Still, it wasn’t enough to sway the judges and Brunson earned the unanimous nod.

“You know how it feels,” Brunson continued, after. “It feels real good. I was doubting myself … to come out here and get it done against a cardio machine…feels good.”

The win improves Brunson’s record to 19-7. Theodorou’s loss drops his own to 16-3.

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