Derek Brunson worried Uriah Hall might be using PEDs

Six months after laying waste to Roan Carneiro at UFC Fight Night 83 in Pittsburgh, 10th ranked middleweight Derek Brunson (15-3) is back in action on Saturday night versus 9th ranked Uriah Hall (12-6) in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 94, in Hidalgo Texas.

In each of his last three fights “The One” (Brunson’s soon-to-debut nickname) has stopped his opponent with strikes before the three-minute mark of the first round. On the Texas/Mexico border, Brunson meets, in ‘Primetime’ Uriah Hall, another man known for devastating stoppages.

“Uriah Hall is just a dynamic striker,” Brunson told Bloody Elbow. “He mixes it up well on his feet, that’s where I expect him to be good at.” Brunson’s praise for Hall’s skills stopped there, though. “He’s not so good on his back or at getting takedowns. His cardio is ok.” Brunson believes he actually possesses better boxing than Hall, but when it comes to an overall stand-up game, the Jackson-Winkeljohn fighter gave the edge to his opponent. “I have to give him an advantage there, I can’t disrespect him that much.”

I just feel I’m a way better fighter as far as being a martial artist.

Though he agonized over giving Hall the edge when it came to striking, Brunson was emphatic in declaring his own wrestling vastly superior to that of Hall. The 32-year-old Brunson was a four-time national qualifier and three time All-American as a wrestler at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

“I just feel I’m a way better fighter as far as being a martial artist,” said Brunson, who then agreed that Hall has been an inconsistent figure in the UFC, known as much for highlight finishes as he is for lackluster decision losses. Brunson suggested that this inconsistency is “just part of who [Hall] is.” Brunson then claimed that the NYC-based former TUF finalist was not a “complete martial artist.” Despite his doubts over Hall’s consistency, Brunson is certain over what version of Hall he’ll meet in Hidalgo. “I guarantee I have his attention more than anybody that he ever fought,” stated Brunson. “So I’m expecting the best Uriah Hall there is.”

However, Brunson then revealed concerns that Hall might be doing something unnatural in order to be the best he can be. “It is what it is, you know, I hear things around the MMA community, so I voice it,” said Brunson.

In late July, Brunson took to social media to announce that he believed Hall has a history of using performance-enhancing-drugs (PEDs), thanks to what he calls a ‘legit source.’

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