Next for Derek Brunson is AKA's Nate James (right). | Photo: Keith Mills
Undefeated welterweight prospect Derek Brunson Wednesday announced that he will face American Kickboxing Academy representative Nate James on Nov. 18 at Strikeforce Challengers 20.
A three-time Division II All-American wrestler, Brunson made his pro MMA debut in May of last year. Since that time, the Renzo Gracie and Greg Jackson protege has rattled off eight-straight wins, including two Strikeforce victories.
The 27-year-old bested Jeremy Hamilton in his inaugural Strikeforce outing on June 24 and followed that decision win with a submission victory over Lumumba Sayers on July 30 at “Fedor vs. Henderson.”
James has won four of his last five contests. Following a successful career on the local circuit, the 33-year-old Oklahoman was called up to fight at Bellator 40 in April, losing a split decision to Tyler Stinson.
After rebounding with a win over Marcus Sursa in June, James made a successful Strikeforce debut, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision over Danillo Villefort in a back-and-forth affair at Challengers 18.