David Branch

David Branch (born September 26, 1981) is an American former mixed martial artist who competed as a middleweight.

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.

Branch was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in the Bronx, New York.

He trained Karate for two and a half years before transitioning into Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

He graduated from A. Philip Randolph Campus High School in New York, New York.

Branch trained for three years with Michael Casey (black belt under Relson Gracie) in the Bronx, NY before he began training under the tutelage of MMA veteran, Renzo Gracie at his personal training center, and further developing his striking with Jason Strout (his first Head Coach) at Church Street Boxing Gym.

Branch gained his black belt after learning from Gracie for about ten years.

In addition to mixed martial arts, Branch has also competed in (and won) Brazilian jiu-jitsu titles in nationwide competitions.

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

Branch then signed for Bellator and made his promotional debut at Bellator 11 against Dennis Olson.

Branch was victorious due to submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:27 of the first round.

Branch then competed in the UCC organization and defeated John Troyer via TKO (punches) at 4:26 of the second round.

Branch returned to Bellator at Bellator 15 and defeated Derrick Mehmen via submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:26 of the second round.

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

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.

Following his release from the UFC Branch signed to fight Jeremy May at Shark Fights 15: Villaseñor vs Camozzi.

He won via TKO in the third round.

Branch next faced of against Strikeforce vet Dominique Steele at Pure MMA: The Beginning.

He won via unanimous decision.

In his next fight Branch took on former UFC vet Anthony Johnson at Titan Fighting Championships 22.

The bout was originally supposed to be fought at 185lbs, but both fighters came in overweight and the bout was changed to 195 lb catchweight fight.

He lost via unanimous decision.

In Branch's next fight he took on another former UFC vet Dustin Jacoby at the inaugural World Series of Fighting 1.

He won via unanimous decision.

Branch next faced off against PRIDE legend Paulo Filho at World Series of Fighting 2.

He won via unanimous decision.

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 Mutapčić, and former UFC vet Danillo Villefort.