Luke Rockhold returns with ground and pound win over David Branch:

Luke Rockhold issues warning to GSP.

Our main event of UFC Fight Night Pittsburgh, sees the return of former Middleweight kingpin Luke Rockhold, as he takes on former multiple division WSOF champ David Branch. #3 ranked Rockhold last faced Michael 'The Count' Bisping on short notice at UFC 199, and was stopped in surprising fashion by the British striker as both men picked up wins over eachother. Branch, now in his second spell in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, returned to the promotion with a decision victory over Krzysztof Jotko to claim the #9 rank at Middleweight and extend his unbeaten run to an eye catching 11 bouts.

Dan Miragliotta was the man in the middle for this possible 5 round affair, as both men refrained from touching gloves. Branch came out highly aggressive closing the distance, asserting octagon control and forcing Luke to fight off the cage. Initiating the clinch against the fence, Branch was seemingly eager to utilise his superior wrestling and grappling early, before Rockhold pivoted and escaped. Some huge combinations from Branch certainly stung Rockhold as he gave up an easy takedown under pressure from the Brooklyn native. Branch responded with a sharp right hand after he ate an inside leg kick, with Rockhold really planting. Luke was noticeably searching for a bodylock as the round concluded, eventually scoring his first takedown moments before the buzzer.

The second period again seen a pace pushing David Branch, who was seeking that big overhand right, to force Luke to the outside where he could utilise his wrestling background. Huge moment for Rockhold as he established an under hook and from his second bodylock, slipped into full mount from side control. Looking to posture up, Branch gave up his back and with both hooks in, Rockhold began to posture up in a dominant position and after constant ground and pound, forced the tap from David Branch with Miragliotta happy to call the contest.

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