UFC Middleweight David Branch Faces 2 year USADA Suspension
USADA has announced yet another two-year suspension with UFC Middleweight David Branch being the latest victim. Furthermore, the news broke yesterday starting that Branch failed an out of competition urine test back on May 24, 2019. Branch indeed tested positive for ipamorelin, a human growth hormone stimulator. Updating the fans and media, USADA published a statement on their website about the failed test.
USADA’s Statement
In the statement, USADA broke down when Branch failed, and what he tested for.
“Branch, 37, tested positive for ipamorelin as the result of a urine sample he provided out-of-competition on May 24, 2019.”
Ipamorelin is a potent Growth Hormone Secretagogue that stimulates the brain to release human growth hormone. And, is used by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug. The use of prohibited peptides by athletes and consumers for performance or physique enhancement purposes (including recovery from injury) poses serious health risks, and these peptides are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human use or consumption.
Branch’s Current UFC Status
Currently, Branch is on a two-fight losing streak in the promotion. He was booked to face Andrew Sanchez last weekend on the UFC on ESPN+ 16 card in Vancouver. However, Branch pulled out of the fight for reasons unknown. Now, it’s clear that the failed test was primarily the reason.
Airing his frustrations, Branch spoke his piece about the situation on his personal Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2kBNUhAhE6/
Posting Cam’Ron as Rico in the cult classic film Paid in Full, Branch subsequently wrote a short and simple message. Using the spike in attention Branch chose to promote his gym.
The caption read, “Don’t believe everything you hear
#CharacterAssassination #101
I’ll shed light on this allegation soon. Meantime come down and train @davidbranchjiujitsu”
Going Forward for Branch
Recently suspended by USASA as well was UFC flyweight Sarah Frota. Like Frota, it seems like Branch believes that his suspension is unjust. Because of the results of Frota’s test, the UFC indeed released Sarah from her contract.
Whether or not Branch was aware of what he was putting in his body is yet to be revealed. However, the two-year ban stands and is retroactive to the date of the suspension, making him unavailable to return until July 26, 2021.
What do fans think is next for Branch? Parting ways with the veteran fighter is a possibility. Although Branch is still a big name for the organization in what fans view as one of the weaker divisions in the UFC. Let us know in the comment section below.
