Renzo Gracie: UFC signs Bellator middleweight Dave Branch to four-fight deal

Undefeated middleweight fighter and two-time Bellator Fighting Championships competitor Dave Branch has signed a four-fight deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

His coach, current UFC fighter Renzo Gracie, announced the news today.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) could not immediately reach Gracie or his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt for information on his promotional debut.

Branch, a Brooklyn, N.Y. native who's studied Brazilian jiu jitsu for nearly a decade with Gracie, turned pro in 2007 and his since posted a 6-0 record with six stoppage victories (three via knockout and three via submission). Most recently, he stopped Derrick Mehman (5-1 at the time) with a second-round rear-naked choke at Bellator 15 in April.

Branch also owns wins over John Troyer (10-3 at the time), Dennis Olson (7-2) and Alex Aquino (5-2).

In additional to his MMA career, Branch has competed in and won BJJ titles in competitions throughout the country.

Branch comes from a fighting family and has two brothers who have boxed professionally.

Was he a reserve bout fighter?

I don't think he was a reserve fighter he was on the under card fights that weren't part of any tourney.