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Gets two-year suspension
Brand was handed a two-year suspension by the USADA after testing positive for a banned substance, Shaheen Al-Shatti of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Branch tested positive for ipamorelin, which is considered as a performance-enhancing drug. Branch tested positive for the drug in May and his two-year suspension officially began on July 26, 2019.
Branch tested positive for ipamorelin, which is considered as a performance-enhancing drug. Branch tested positive for the drug in May and his two-year suspension officially began on July 26, 2019.
Off UFC Vancouver
Branch has withdrawn from his scheduled matchup against Andrew Sanchez at UFC Vancouver on Sept. 14, Nolan King of MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear what sparked the withdrawal for Branch, as the UFC has yet to make an official announcement clarifying the cancellation. With 1.5 months until the scheduled event, it seems likely the promotion will be able to find a replacement opponent for Sanchez.
It's unclear what sparked the withdrawal for Branch, as the UFC has yet to make an official announcement clarifying the cancellation. With 1.5 months until the scheduled event, it seems likely the promotion will be able to find a replacement opponent for Sanchez.
Booked for Vancouver
Branch has been booked to take on Andrew Sanchez at UFC on ESPN+ 16 on September 14, Nolan King of MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's been a tough stretch for Branch, who has lost three of his last four fights dating back to mid-2017. Most recently, he was forced to tap out just 50 seconds into his fight with Jack Hermansson at UFC on ESPN 2 in March. He hasn't gone the distance in each of his last four fights, creating an interesting dynamic with Sanchez, whose last four victories are coming via unanimous decision.
It's been a tough stretch for Branch, who has lost three of his last four fights dating back to mid-2017. Most recently, he was forced to tap out just 50 seconds into his fight with Jack Hermansson at UFC on ESPN 2 in March. He hasn't gone the distance in each of his last four fights, creating an interesting dynamic with Sanchez, whose last four victories are coming via unanimous decision.
Taps to Jack Hermansson in 50 seconds
Branch lost to Jack Hermansson via submission (guillotine) at 0:50 of Round 1 at UFC on ESPN 2 on Saturday in Philadelphia.
ANALYSIS
Branch was in need of a bounce back performance and he wasn't able to last a minute. Most concerning of all was Branch's complete lack of awareness once Hermansson had him on the mat. He made it easy for the Swede to clamp on the guillotine and Hermansson took full advantage of the opportunity. Branch has just six professional losses in a career that began way back in September 2007, but he is 1-3 in his last four fights, and his days of handling elite competition may be behind him.
Branch was in need of a bounce back performance and he wasn't able to last a minute. Most concerning of all was Branch's complete lack of awareness once Hermansson had him on the mat. He made it easy for the Swede to clamp on the guillotine and Hermansson took full advantage of the opportunity. Branch has just six professional losses in a career that began way back in September 2007, but he is 1-3 in his last four fights, and his days of handling elite competition may be behind him.
Next bout in Philly
Branch will take on Jack Hermansson in a middleweight matchup at UFC Philadelphia on March 30, PhilyVoice.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Branch has not necessarily been known as a finisher while coming up in World Series of Fighting, but each of his last three bouts have ended in a knockout. Unfortunately for the 37-year-old, he's been on the losing end in two of the last three, most recently getting upset by Jared Cannonier at UFC 230. The UFC will now give him a slight step back against "The Joker," who owns a 5-2 record since entering the promotion in 2016. The two measure up almost identically, but Hermansson has a significant advantage in terms of striking numbers over a similar sample size. Branch has more experience as a fighter overall, however, and likely has a more diverse skill set to fall back on.
Branch has not necessarily been known as a finisher while coming up in World Series of Fighting, but each of his last three bouts have ended in a knockout. Unfortunately for the 37-year-old, he's been on the losing end in two of the last three, most recently getting upset by Jared Cannonier at UFC 230. The UFC will now give him a slight step back against "The Joker," who owns a 5-2 record since entering the promotion in 2016. The two measure up almost identically, but Hermansson has a significant advantage in terms of striking numbers over a similar sample size. Branch has more experience as a fighter overall, however, and likely has a more diverse skill set to fall back on.