After briefly testing free agency, David Branch is back with the UFC, signing a multi-fight contract.
Last week we reported that the 35-year-old had decided to vacate his WSOF middleweight and light-heavyweight titles in order to make the move back to the UFC, where he last competed in 2011.
Branch confirmed his signing on Twitter, saying:
I want to thank my fans for all of the amazing support you guys have given me on twitter this AM I'm happy to be back home @ufc
— David Branch (@DavidcBranchMMA) February 15, 2017
His first stint in the UFC was reasonably brief, going 2-2 between 2010 and 2011, before being cut following a submission loss against another fighter who would eventually make his way to WSOF, in Rousimar Palhares. However, unlike Palhares, Branch made good use of his time away from the UFC octagon.
After a couple of fights on the regional scene, Branch made his way to WSOF, where he embarked on a successful run, going 10-0 during his time with the promotion. Here, he enjoyed notable wins over Yushin Okami, Paulo Filho and Danilo Villefort amongst others. In leaving WSOF, he vacates his middleweight and light-heavyweight titles, which he won in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
In returning to the UFC, Branch’s stock is much higher than it was the first time around. His only loss in the last five years came at the hands of UFC 205lb number one contender Anthony Johnson, and though he will likely compete at middleweight, Branch should immediately be considered a top 15 fighter.
Previously, the UFC have been reluctant to offer big money contracts to top-level talent outside of the UFC, which is partly why the likes of Bibiano Fernandes and Fedor Emelianenko have never competed inside the octagon. However, it seems that Branch has not had to compromise his salary in his return, as he said:
And for the all haters there's no pay cut here. I'm well taken care of here on my new journey.
— David Branch (@DavidcBranchMMA) February 15, 2017
With MMA Fighting reporting that Branch is likely to re-debut in May, it’ll be interesting to see just how far up the card he is positioned. A statement win could add him into the mix at the top end of the division.
