Derek Brunson talks UFC career, new Wilmington gym

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Many here in the Cape Fear know the story of UFC Fighter Derek Brunson, a Wilmington native and Hoggard High School alumni now turned one of the best mixed martial artists in the world.

Today he stopped by the WWAY studios to talk about his career, his upcoming fight and how he’s giving back.

“Mixed martial arts is my life, it’s my passion,” Brunson said. “So I wanted to get an environment where people can train, life the martial arts life and have fun doing it.”

That’s why UFC great Derek Brunson created the Brunson’s MMA & Fitness gym in his home city of Wilmington.

Brunson will host the grand opening of the gym in Independence Mall Saturday. A place where he can share his love of MMA to anyone who wants to join.

“You’re not thinking about that you’re tired of running, you’re just in the moment,” Brunson said. “The music is loud, you’re working combinations, you’re punching the bag, it’s a good experience. It’s for inspiring fighters, people looking to get or stay in shape and people just looking for a good environment.”

Gyms like this could create the next UFC great like Brunson.

He is currently coming off a loss in his most recent fight in Charlotte. But that hasn’t hurt his confidence.

“As a professional athlete, you can’t win them all,” Brunson said. “Even if you have a setback or take a loss, you have to keep level-headed and understand that you’re building for bigger things and to be the champion. You want to compile a good record and try to look good while doing so.”

He hopes to look good once again this August when he fights Antonio Carlos Jr. in UFC 227 in the City of Angels. He has been back to training since the loss because he says that’s where the winning ways begin.

“I typically don’t focus on the opponent too much,” Brunson said. “I’m always at the gym focusing on how I can get better or how I can make improvements. Because I believe if I’m at my best, then I’m pretty tough to beat.”

Brunson shows any kid growing up in the Cape Fear region, with hard work and heart, can make it.

He hopes he can instill that in the future Ultimate Fighting stars of tomorrow, as long as they’re ready to work.

“When you know you can fight or confident in your skillset, you’re less likely to impose it on others,” Brunson said. “It’s that quiet confidence. Get in the gym, train and, when it comes to training, take it seriously. Show up every day and keep getting better.”