Derek Brunson (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Derek Brunson had his five fight winning streak come to a crashing halt at UFC Fight Night 101, and afterwards, the middleweight contender admitted his aggression cost him the bout.

Brunson came out guns blazing in his fight with Robert Whittaker on Saturday night, and for much of the first round, he had the latter on the defensive. But, late in the round, Whittaker cracked the powerful wrestler with several big shots, including a head kick, and finished the bout at the 4:07 mark.

After the thrilling fight, Brunson had this to say about his performance (quote via MMA Junkie.com):

“I had him against the cage, and I felt him breathing really hard,” Brunson said. “I could have really slowed him down and gotten the takedown. But I didn’t make smart decisions. Instead of going to my wrestling, which I knew I had the upper hand, I was more intent on trying to knock him out.”

“I just wasn’t really smart tonight,” Brunson added. “But hat’s off to Whittaker. I’ll just take it on the chin.”

UFC FN 101 took place in Melbourne, Australia. The victory was Whittaker’s sixth in a row.