WSOF Two-Division Champion David Branch Vacates Both Titles, Declares Himself a Free Agent
World Series of Fighting was kind to David
Branch, but now WSOF's only two-division champion has no belts
and is ready to fly the coop.
Monday, in an interview with Ariel Helwani on “The MMA Hour,” the 35-year-old Bronx native stated that he had vacated both his WSOF middleweight and light heavyweight titles and was now a free agent after four-plus years with the promotion, where he racked up an undefeated 10-0 mark during his tenure, plus two title belts.
“I’m definitely a free agent now, I’m officially a free agent. I’m
going to be looking to explore my opportunities on the outside of
WSOF,” Branch explained. “And I think it was about time for me and
the company to just split ways. There was some misunderstandings
that happened, and as a result of those misunderstandings it was
best for me to be released and stuff like that. Plus I just want to
do other things.”
Last Tuesday, the Washington Business Journal broke the news that a group of 31 investors, led by Russ Ramsey and Donn Davis under the umbrella of “MMAX Investment Partners” had bought 60 percent of WSOF for $25 million dollars.
“I’m no longer a part of the company because it’s just time for me to grow,” continued Branch. “It’s time for me go and just do bigger things. It’s time for me to have bigger challenges for myself, there’s no more challenges left for me with WSOF. I’ve just accomplished everything that there is for me to do there. It just comes time for an athlete to move on and I think that this is my time right now.”
The Renzo Gracie Team product last fought on Dec. 31 at WSOF 34 in his native New York, defending his middleweight title and choking out challenger Louis Taylor in the fifth round.
Branch did not say whether he and his management had started negotiations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but Branch didn't shy away from making his target known.
“I haven’t signed with them yet, I haven’t signed with anybody. My manager is working on some things, and we should have some announcements by the middle of this week, before this week is out for sure,” said Branch.
Branch had a previous stint in the Octagon from July 2010 to March 2011, going 2-2 with wins over Tomasz Drwal and Rich Attonito, and taking losses from Rousimar Palhares -- naturally, via heel hook – and Gerald Harris in a nasty slam knockout back at UFC 116.
Monday, in an interview with Ariel Helwani on “The MMA Hour,” the 35-year-old Bronx native stated that he had vacated both his WSOF middleweight and light heavyweight titles and was now a free agent after four-plus years with the promotion, where he racked up an undefeated 10-0 mark during his tenure, plus two title belts.
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Last Tuesday, the Washington Business Journal broke the news that a group of 31 investors, led by Russ Ramsey and Donn Davis under the umbrella of “MMAX Investment Partners” had bought 60 percent of WSOF for $25 million dollars.
“I’m no longer a part of the company because it’s just time for me to grow,” continued Branch. “It’s time for me go and just do bigger things. It’s time for me to have bigger challenges for myself, there’s no more challenges left for me with WSOF. I’ve just accomplished everything that there is for me to do there. It just comes time for an athlete to move on and I think that this is my time right now.”
The Renzo Gracie Team product last fought on Dec. 31 at WSOF 34 in his native New York, defending his middleweight title and choking out challenger Louis Taylor in the fifth round.
Branch did not say whether he and his management had started negotiations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but Branch didn't shy away from making his target known.
“I haven’t signed with them yet, I haven’t signed with anybody. My manager is working on some things, and we should have some announcements by the middle of this week, before this week is out for sure,” said Branch.
Branch had a previous stint in the Octagon from July 2010 to March 2011, going 2-2 with wins over Tomasz Drwal and Rich Attonito, and taking losses from Rousimar Palhares -- naturally, via heel hook – and Gerald Harris in a nasty slam knockout back at UFC 116.
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