Branch scores uneventful decision win over Jotko in UFC return

David Branch made the most of an otherwise forgettable performance Saturday.

The former World Series of Fighting two-division champion picked up a split-decision win over Krzysztof Jotko at UFC 211 in Dallas, his first fight in the Octagon since being released in March 2011.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Though the fight was short on highlights, Branch did enough to earn his 11th straight professional win. The previous 10 came in the WSOF promotion, where Branch reigned as light heavyweight and middleweight champion before re-signing with the UFC this past February.

Saturday's encounter with Jotko was a 185-lb affair that failed to match the intensity of Branch's WSOF title bouts. Neither man was able to land any significant blows and the difference was likely made by Branch's superior grappling. He scored takedowns in Rounds 1 and 2, and while he failed to do much with them, it was enough to neutralize Jotko's length advantage.

Outside of those brief grappling exchanges, the two fighters seemed hesitant to open up with their striking, leading to long stretches of inactivity that had the Texas crowd loudly voicing their displeasure.

With the narrow loss, Jotko's five-fight win streak comes to a disappointing end. The 27-year-old Pole has won six of his eight UFC appearances, but he'll likely have to prove himself to the matchmakers all over again after this outing.