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Derek Brunson explains how he avoided knocking himself out with power slam at UFC Ottawa

OTTAWA — Facing a tricky opponent, Derek Brunson’s greatest enemy on Saturday may have been himself.

Overall it was a productive night for the 35-year-old middleweight. He defeated Elias Theodorou by unanimous decision in the UFC Ottawa co-main event, snapped a two-fight skid, and proved he could win on the scorecards for the first time since August 2014.

However, for a brief moment in the third round, Brunson had to mentally pause and consider his actions to avoid accidentally spoiling his own win. Brunson got hold of the elusive Theodorou with three minutes remaining in the fight and picked him up for a thunderous slam, one that he realized could have dire consequences.