[autotag]Derek Brunson[/autotag] is not allowing the hype around [autotag]Edmen Shahbazyan[/autotag] to cloud his vision of what needs to be done in the UFC on ESPN+ 31 main event.
Shahbazyan (11-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) has been touted by many as the next big thing in the middleweight division. The unbeaten 22-year-old has declared his mission to break Jon Jones’ record as the youngest champion in UFC history, and getting his first main event assignment would seemingly be a big step toward accomplishing that goal.
Brunson (20-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC), who has fought many of the top names at 185 pounds, is the man standing in the way. However, he said he’s not thinking about the matchup in terms of being the gatekeeper to Shahbazyan’s pursuit of history, but rather approaching it like any other fight.
“I’m not really worried about hype or nothing like that,” Brunson told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during Thursday’s UFC on ESPN+ 31 virtual media day. “I just go into each fight the same way. My goal is to go out there and get my hand raised, go out there and get finishes. I’m not really concerned with the person across from me, if they’re getting hype or if the media is focused on them. I know what my job is ultimately, and I’m here to win and make a statement.”
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Although Brunson is not paying attention to the pre-fight storylines, he said he’s not lying to himself about the realities of this fight, either. He’s the one who’s been ranked in the upper tier of the division for the past several years, and Shahbazyan is looking to prove he belongs near the top, as well.
Brunson said all his experience has prepared him for this moment and believes that provides him with an advantage.
“Definitely a step up in competition (for him),” Brunson said. “He did what he was supposed to do. He beat the guys that were across from him and won his first couple fights, and now here’s his test. … I’m a veteran now. I’ve had a lot of fights in UFC, a lot of fights in Zuffa, and just be myself out there. I’ve had fights where I’ve made mistakes. I’ve had fights where I’ve had finishes, so now it’s just all about putting it together and doing what I do.”
Regardless of the outside noise, Brunson said he’s not going to be deterred from the task at hand. Shahbazyan never has been beat, and it’s Brunson’s job to change that.
“That stuff doesn’t bother me,” Brunson said. “My job is to go out and get the win by any means (necessary), so that’s what I’m focused on.”
UFC on ESPN+ 31 takes place Saturday at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The entire card streams on ESPN+.
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