Derek Brunson calls Israel Adesanya “one of the easiest matchups I’ll have in the UFC”

On November 3, on the main card of UFC 230, long-time UFC middleweight contender Derek Brunson will attempt to slow the hype train of kickboxing transplant Israel Adesanya. In Brunson’s opinion, however, the hype surrounding Adesanya is way overblown.

In fact, Brunson believes that Adesanya is very flawed, and that he’ll be one of the easiest matchups he’ll have in the UFC.

“A lot of people are high on [Adesanya], a lot of people believe in him, but I’m not too much of a believer,” Derek Brunson said on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show (transcript via ESPN). “I can’t trick myself. Every fight I train for the opponent very hard and smart. I’ll do that for myself. But I’m not a believer in the kid. I think he’s a good striker. I don’t think he’s a great striker.

“I’m not a guy who is going to let you dictate or do whatever you want to,” Brunson says. “I’m not impressed by this kid. His striking is okay. He’s long, which is the best thing going for him. Doesn’t hit hard. This is the fight I like. One of the easiest matchups I’ll have in the UFC. One of the easiest people to prepare for.

“He’s bad on the ground. His wrestling isn’t good. I see holes in his game. He’s a little frail guy. I think I’ll get the finish early.”