Former WSOF dual-weight champion David Branch re-signs with UFC

David Branch, World Series of Fighting (WSOF) 185- and 205-pound champion, has vacated both titles and accepted an offer to return to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after going undefeated during his four-year tenure, according to MMA Fighting. In the process, Branch returns to the promotion he called home before being cut by UFC after going even (2-2) in four fights from 2010 to 2011.

His last UFC appearance was a loss to Rousimar Palhares more than six years ago.

In the time since Branch signed with WSOF and went on an impressive tear, going undefeated in all 10 fights, including five unanimous decisions, four submissions and a technical knockout of Yushin Okami. Branch cleaned out two weight classes along the way, claiming the inaugural Middleweight title at WSOF 10 and doing the same more than one year later at WSOF 23 to become Light Heavyweight champion.

In an interview on "The MMA Hour," Branch explained why he felt it was necessary to vacate both titles and make this move.

"If I'm coming into a show, okay, and I'm coming in to fight my opponent, that should be the only opponent I have to worry about fighting. I shouldn't have to worry about politics, I shouldn't have to worry about all these other things. I'm not going to go into detail, but that's just one of those things that happens. This is the fight game. It gets crazy sometimes. Sometimes promoters have problems with fighters, and sometimes fighters have problems with promoters."

It's not a good look for WSOF after canceling two fight cards last year and postponing WSOF 35 multiple times. One wonders what the viability of this promotion is going forward. Meanwhile, Branch is all smiles about his UFC return.

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

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