Strikeforce middleweight fighter Derek Brunson appeared to be set to be a contestant on the upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” but Showtime will not allow him to take part in the show. 
Brunson had made the final cut to be on the reality show, but Brunson sent out a tweet on Monday that Showtime would not let him out of his contract and he could not be on the reality show.
“As you all know I tried out for The Ultimate Fighter made the show, flew to Vegas yesterday, weighed in today, filming was about to start,” Brunson said. “Showtime network called and said they wouldn’t release me from my Strikeforce contract. So no TUF for me. I want to thank Fox Network for being such professionals in trying to handle the situation. Back to the drawing board.”
Brunson (9-2) is currently on a two fight losing streak and his most recent defeat came in August against former Strikeforce champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. He was defeated in the first round by knockout and it was also his first lost in Strikeforce. He had won his previous three Strikeforce bouts and seven of his nine professional victories have come by submission or knockout.
It has not been announced when Brunson will next fight in Strikeforce or if the organization is planning on having him fight in the next Strikeforce card, which is scheduled to take place in January.