Middleweights Branch, Camozzi Bounced from UFC

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Middleweights Chris Camozzi and Dave Branch are UFC fighters no more, as the promotion has released both men from their contracts.

Sherdog.com confirmed the news with a source close to Branch on Wednesday after MMAWeekly.com first reported the fighter's release. Camozzi announced his departure on his official website.

A student of Renzo Gracie, Branch had a two-fight winning streak derailed by fellow jiu-jitsu specialist Rousimar Palhares on March 3 at UFC Live 3. “Toquinho” slapped on one of his patented heel hooks and forced Branch to submit early into the second frame.

Branch posted a 2-2 record during his time with the UFC, which began with a memorable July loss to Gerald Harris that saw Branch knocked out with a massive slam. However, the 29-year-old rebounded from the defeat to earn back-to-back wins over Tomasz Drwal and Rich Attonito, taking unanimous decisions over both.

“Fighting for a premiere organization such as the UFC was a dream come true for me, but unfortunately I've hit a bump in that dream. I received my walking papers today. I'm disappointed, but I need to stay positive and take this as a learning experience,” wrote Camozzi on his website. “I know I can fight way better than what was shown at UFC 127 and I want to prove that to you, the fans. I'm going to take this and learn and grow from it.”

Camozzi participated in the 11th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show, suffering a broken jaw in his opening bout. After being forced to withdraw due to that injury, Camozzi made his official UFC debut at the season finale, outpointing James Hammortree last June.

The 24-year-old followed that performance with another decision win, besting Korean import Dongi Yang four months later at UFC 121. His most recent outing at UFC 127 in February gave Camozzi his first UFC defeat, as he was submitted by native favorite Kyle Noke in just 95 seconds in Sydney, Australia.