Veteran middleweight Dave Branch is the latest fighter to have been caught using a banned substance by USADA’s testing procedures and as a result has been suspended for two years.
The 37-year-old tested positive for ipamorelin, a substance that stimulates the brain to release human growth hormone, during an out-of-competition urine test back in May.
Branch’s suspension began on July 26th, meaning he’ll not be eligible to compete again until July 26th of 2021.
Branch had rejoined the UFC in 2017 after an impressive stint in the WSOF promotion that had seen him win both their middleweight and light-heavyweight titles during a 10-fight winning streak.
However, he hasn’t been able to continue that form in the Octagon, having lost three of his five fights to date.
He initially returned with a split decision win over Krzysztof Jotko, but since then he’s suffered losses to Luke Rockhold, Jared Cannonier and Jack Hermansson, though he did also KO Thiago Santos during that period.
Now he’ll not have a chance to set foot in the Octagon for two years, and at this late stage in his career that’s a massive blow for the fighter.
