David Branch to Defend 205-Pound Title Against Vinny Magalhaes at WSOF 33

David Branch will defend his light heavyweight title against Vinny Magalhaes in the WSOF 33 co-main event, promotion officials announced Friday.

WSOF 33 goes down on Oct. 7 at Kansas City Memorial Auditorium in Kansas City, Kan., and will be headlined by a lightweight championship tilt between titlist Justin Gaethje and Ozzy Dugulubgov. NBCSN will televise the action live.

Branch, who is also the promotion’s 185-pound champion, snagged the light heavyweight strap by submitting Teddy Holder via rear-naked choke last September. He defended his crown in April by edging Clifford Starks over five rounds and now Branch, who hasn’t lost since Anthony “Rumble” Johnson beat him on points four years ago at Titan FC 22, looks to win his ninth in a row versus Magalhaes.

A longtime veteran of the UFC and M-1 Global, Magalhaes has won four in a row since being released from the UFC. The Brazilian is one of the best grapplers in the sport, having won gold at ADCC and the Mundials. Magalhaes previously captured titles for M-1 and Titan FC and now aims to snatch Branch’s belt when they lock horns in October.

Promotion officials also revealed that Jason High will take on fellow lightweight Joao Zeferino on the card as well. A fight between Luiz Firmino and Brian Foster was previously announced. More bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.