David Branch

Branch faced Jack Hermansson on March 30, 2019 at UFC on ESPN 2. He lost the fight via guillotine choke in the first round.

Branch was scheduled to face Andrew Sanchez on September 14, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 16. However, it was reported that Branch was forced to pull from the event due to injury and he was replaced by Marvin Vettori.

In September 2019, it was revealed that Branch received a 2 year USADA suspension. He tested positive for Ipamorelin, a class of Peptide hormones and Growth Factors, detected in a urine sample he provided out-of-competition on May 24, 2019. Sanction was made retroactive to July 26, 2019 and he is eligible to fight again in North America on July 26, 2021. Subsequently, Branch was officially released from the UFC on September 18, 2019.

After the release from the UFC, Branch faced Alexander Shlemenko at Russian Cagefighting Championship 7 on December 14, 2019. He lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the first round.

Branch was scheduled to face Yoel Romero on February 24, 2018 at UFC on Fox 28. However, on January 12, 2018, it was announced that Robert Whittaker was pulled from the middleweight title championship at UFC 221 and replaced by Romero.

Branch faced Thiago Santos on April 21, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 128. He won the fight via knockout in round one. This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.

Branch was expected to face Ronaldo Souza on November 3, 2018 at UFC 230. However on October 19, 2018 It was reported that Souza replaced injured Luke Rockhold who was scheduled to fight Chris Weidman in the event. It was reported on October 19, 2018 that Jared Cannonier faced Branch instead. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two, marking the first time he's been stopped due to strikes.

On February 15, 2017, Branch announced that he had re-signed with the UFC and expects to be scheduled to compete in the middleweight division for the promotion by May.

Branch faced Krzysztof Jotko in his return to the UFC on May 13, 2017, at UFC 211. He won the fight via split decision.

Branch faced former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at UFC Fight Night 116 on September 16, 2017. Despite winning the first round, he lost the fight by a tap out due to strikes with 55 seconds remaining in the second round.

Branch defended the WSOF Light Heavyweight Championship against Vinny Magalhães at WSOF 33 on October 7, 2016 in the main event. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

On March 5, 2015, it was announced that a semifinal fight of the WSOF Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament between Matt Hamill and Vinny Magalhães was canceled and then changed to a fight between WSOF Middleweight Championship David Branch and Ronny Markes for the second semifinal fight of the WSOF Light Heavyweight Championship tournament at the WSOF 20 on April 10, 2015. However, on the day of the weigh-in, Markes was forced out of the bout due to dehydration and was replaced by promotional newcomer Jesse McElligott. He won the fight via technical submission in the second round.

In the Middleweight Tournament Final, Branch faced Jesse Taylor at World Series of Fighting 10 on June 21, 2014. He won the fight via D'arce choke submission in the first round to become the inaugural World Series of Fighting Middleweight champion.

In his first title defense, Branch faced fellow UFC veteran Yushin Okami at WSOF 15 on October 24, 2014. He won the fight via technical knockout in the fourth round.

Branch next defeated Rich Attonito at The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–27).

On May 16, 2013, WSOF announced a four-man tournament to crown an Inaugural Middleweight Champion. Branch will be one of the four men entering this tournament. Joining Branch will be former UFC vet Jesse Taylor, current MFC Middleweight Champion Elvis Mutapcic, and former UFC vet Danillo Villefort. Branch took on Danillo Villefort in the open round of the tournament at WSOF 5. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Branch was rumored to face Dan Miller on March 19, 2011 at UFC 128. However, according to Dan's manager, the fight was not offered. Miller ended up facing a different opponent.

Branch next faced Rousimar Palhares on March 3, 2011 at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann, replacing Alexandre Ferreira. Branch was defeated by Palhares when he tapped out to a kneebar early in the second round and was subsequently released from the promotion.

In May 2010, Branch's coach Renzo Gracie announced that Branch had signed a four-fight contract with the UFC. Branch made his debut on the undercard of UFC 116 against Gerald Harris. Branch was knocked out cold with a slam in the third round, losing for the first time in his professional career.

Branch was expected to face Aaron Simpson on September 15, 2010 at UFC Fight Night 22, but Simpson was forced to pull out of the bout with a staph infection. Branch instead fought Tomasz Drwal. Branch won the fight via unanimous decision, earning his first UFC victory.

Branch turned professional in MMA in 2007 and compiled an overall professional record of 3-0 before being signed by Bellator.

David Branch (born September 26, 1981) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Middleweight division. A professional competitor since 2007, he has fought for the UFC, World Series of Fighting, Bellator, Shark Fights, and Titan FC. Branch is the former WSOF Light Heavyweight Champion and WSOF Middleweight Champion.