Dave Branch (fighter)
Encyclopedia
Dave Branch is an American professional mixed martial artist
competing in the Middleweight division. He is a Bellator Fighting Championship and Ultimate Fighting Championship
veteran.
under the tutelage of MMA veteran, Renzo Gracie
. He gained his black belt after learning from Gracie for about 10 years. Branch turned professional in MMA in 2007. In additional to mixed martial arts, Branch has also competed in (and won) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu titles in nationwide competitions.
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 organisation and defeated John Troyer via TKO (punches) at 4:26 of the second round.
Branch returned to Bellator at Bellator 15 and defeated Derrick Mehman via submission (rear naked choke) at 0:26 of the second round.
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 lost by KO (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, taking all three rounds.
Branch next fought Rich Attonito
at The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale
and won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 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.
and Jamelle Hamilton.
|Win
|align=center|9–2
|
Jeremy May
|TKO (punches)
|Shark Fights 15: Villaseñor vs Camozzi
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|3:19
|Rio Rancho, New Mexico
, United States
|
|-
|Loss
|align=center|8-2
|
Rousimar Palhares
|Submission (kneebar)
|UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|1:44
|Louisville, Kentucky
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|8–1
| Rich Attonito
|Decision (unanimous)
|The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Las Vegas, Nevada
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|7–1
|
Tomasz Drwal
|Decision (unanimous)
|UFC Fight Night: Marquardt vs. Palhares
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Austin, Texas
, United States
|
|-
|Loss
|align=center|6–1
| Gerald Harris
|KO (slam)
|UFC 116
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|2:35
|Las Vegas, Nevada
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|6–0
| Derrick Mehman
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Bellator 15
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|0:26
|Uncasville, Connecticut
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|5–0
| John Troyer
|TKO (punches)
|UCC 1 - Merciless
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:26
|Jersey City, New Jersey
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|4–0
| Dennis Olsen
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Bellator 11
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:27
|Uncasville, Connecticut
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|3–0
| Robby Huston
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|DCF - Battle at the Nation's Capital
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:41
|Washington D.C.
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|2–0
| Alex Aquino
|TKO (doctor stoppage)
|Ring of Combat 19
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:29
|Atlantic City, New Jersey
, United States
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|1–0
| Craig Simone
|TKO (punches)
|Cage Fights 6
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:44
|Fort Myers, Florida
, United States
|
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
competing in the Middleweight division. He is a Bellator Fighting Championship and Ultimate Fighting Championship
Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world that hosts most of the top-ranked fighters in the sport...
veteran.
Background
Branch began training Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting...
under the tutelage of MMA veteran, Renzo Gracie
Renzo Gracie
Renzo Gracie is a Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a former mixed martial arts competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship . He is member of the Gracie family of Brazil. He is the son of Robson Gracie, grandson of Carlos Gracie, nephew of Carlos...
. He gained his black belt after learning from Gracie for about 10 years. Branch turned professional in MMA in 2007. In additional to mixed martial arts, Branch has also competed in (and won) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu titles in nationwide competitions.
Bellator
Branch then signed for Bellator Fighting ChampionshipsBellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Fighting Championships is a mixed martial arts promotion based in the United States. "Bellator", which is Latin for "Warrior", is organized into seasons with each event hosting the rounds of championship knockout tournaments for three-five weight divisions.-History:In its first season,...
and made his promotional debut at Bellator 11 against Dennis Olson
Dennis Olson
Dennis Olson was a professional ice hockey player who played four games in the National Hockey League. He played with the Detroit Red Wings.- References :...
. Branch was victorious due to submission (rear naked choke) at 1:27 of the first round.
Branch then competed in the UCC organisation and defeated John Troyer via TKO (punches) at 4:26 of the second round.
Branch returned to Bellator at Bellator 15 and defeated Derrick Mehman via submission (rear naked choke) at 0:26 of the second round.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In May 2010, Branch's coach Renzo GracieRenzo Gracie
Renzo Gracie is a Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a former mixed martial arts competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship . He is member of the Gracie family of Brazil. He is the son of Robson Gracie, grandson of Carlos Gracie, nephew of Carlos...
announced that Branch had signed a four-fight contract with the UFC.
Branch made his debut on the undercard of UFC 116
UFC 116
UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on July 3, 2010 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States...
against Gerald Harris. Branch lost by KO (Slam) in the third round, losing for the first time in his professional career.
Branch was expected to face Aaron Simpson
Aaron Simpson (fighter)
Aaron Michael Simpson is an American mixed martial artist who competes as a middleweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Before starting his mixed martial arts career, Simpson was a standout wrestler. In high school, Simpson compiled a 142–1 record wrestling for Antelope Union High School...
on September 15, 2010 at UFC Fight Night 22
UFC Fight Night 22
UFC Fight Night: Marquardt vs. Palhares, also known as UFC Fight Night 22 was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on September 15, 2010 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas...
, 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, taking all three rounds.
Branch next fought Rich Attonito
Rich Attonito
Rich Attonito is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division. Attonito currently fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and is best known for his stint on the eleventh season of The Ultimate Fighter. He was a Division 1 wrestler at...
at The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale
The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale
The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs Team Koscheck Finale, also referred to as The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on December 4, 2010.-Background:This was the first...
and won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).
Branch was rumored to face Dan Miller
Dan Miller (fighter)
Daniel James Miller is an American Middleweight mixed martial artist signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the older brother of fellow MMA fighter Jim Miller.-Martial arts background:...
on March 19, 2011 at UFC 128
UFC 128
UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on March 19, 2011, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.-Background:...
. However, according to Dan's manager, the fight was not offered. Miller ended up facing a different opponent.
Branch next faced Rousimar Palhares
Rousimar Palhares
Rousimar Palhares, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He is known for his technical mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his physical strength. His nickname, Portuguese for "tree stump", comes from his short, stocky, heavily muscled build. Many of his victories are by Leg-locks...
on March 3, 2011 at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann
UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann
UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on March 3, 2011, at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The event was broadcast on Versus in the U.S. and Rogers Sportsnet One in Canada...
, replacing Alexandre Ferreira
Alexandre Ferreira (fighter)
Alexandre "Cacareco" Ferreira born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a professional mixed martial artist.-Ultimate Fighting Championship:Ferreira made his promotional debut against Vladimir Matyushenko on November 13, 2010 at UFC 122, losing via first round TKO....
. Branch was defeated by Palhares when he tapped out to a kneebar early in the second round and was subsequently released from the promotion.
Personal life
Branch is the brother of professional boxers, Sechew PowellSechew Powell
Sechew Powell is an American boxer.-Amateur career:Nicknamed "Iron Horse", Powell was an amateur standout and was the 2000 National Golden Gloves Light Middleweight Champion and 2001 United States Amateur Light middleweight champion.-Professional career:Powell turned pro in 2002 and was undefeated...
and Jamelle Hamilton.
Mixed martial arts record
|-|Win
|align=center|9–2
|
Jeremy May|TKO (punches)
|Shark Fights 15: Villaseñor vs Camozzi
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|3:19
|Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
There were 18,995 households out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.7% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Loss
|align=center|8-2
|
Rousimar PalharesRousimar Palhares
Rousimar Palhares, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He is known for his technical mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his physical strength. His nickname, Portuguese for "tree stump", comes from his short, stocky, heavily muscled build. Many of his victories are by Leg-locks...
|Submission (kneebar)
|UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann
UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann
UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on March 3, 2011, at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The event was broadcast on Versus in the U.S. and Rogers Sportsnet One in Canada...
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|1:44
|Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|8–1
|
Rich AttonitoRich Attonito
Rich Attonito is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division. Attonito currently fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and is best known for his stint on the eleventh season of The Ultimate Fighter. He was a Division 1 wrestler at...
|Decision (unanimous)
|The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|7–1
|
Tomasz Drwal|Decision (unanimous)
|UFC Fight Night: Marquardt vs. Palhares
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Loss
|align=center|6–1
|
Gerald Harris|KO (slam)
|UFC 116
UFC 116
UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on July 3, 2010 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States...
|
|align=center|3
|align=center|2:35
|Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|6–0
|
Derrick Mehman|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Bellator 15
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|0:26
|Uncasville, Connecticut
Uncasville, Connecticut
Uncasville is an area in the town of Montville, Connecticut. The area traditionally known as Uncasville is a village in southeastern Montville, at the mouth of the Oxoboxo River...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|5–0
|
John Troyer|TKO (punches)
|UCC 1 - Merciless
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:26
|Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is the seat of Hudson County, New Jersey, United States.Part of the New York metropolitan area, Jersey City lies between the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay across from Lower Manhattan and the Hackensack River and Newark Bay...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|4–0
|
Dennis Olsen|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Bellator 11
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:27
|Uncasville, Connecticut
Uncasville, Connecticut
Uncasville is an area in the town of Montville, Connecticut. The area traditionally known as Uncasville is a village in southeastern Montville, at the mouth of the Oxoboxo River...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|3–0
|
Robby Huston|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|DCF - Battle at the Nation's Capital
|
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:41
|Washington D.C.
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|2–0
|
Alex Aquino|TKO (doctor stoppage)
|Ring of Combat 19
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:29
|Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|
|-
|Win
|align=center|1–0
|
Craig Simone|TKO (punches)
|Cage Fights 6
|
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:44
|Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers is the county seat and commercial center of Lee County, Florida, United States. Its population was 62,298 in the 2010 census, a 29.23 percent increase over the 2000 figure....
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|