Rockhold vs. Branch

This is the official discussion thread for Rockhold vs. Branch. Let's see what you've got.

Branch gets a big step up.

strange match-up? Maybe they dont see Branch as a marketable guy so they decide to just use him to bring back Rockhold on the ranking! Or maybe they hope Branch do the samething as Gaethje but that will be really surprising!

Tough fight for Branch...this might be Rockhold's easiest opponent since Boetsch. Branch is a solid fighter but I think Luke is better nearly everywhere. 

I think Branch has the advantage in damn-near every facet when it comes to the grappling portion. Of course, Rockhold severely outmatches him when on the feet. 

I like the fight. It's fresh, and it's a pretty massive opportunity for Branch - a guy who I like.

Surprised how many people are going for a KO win here for Rockhold. It's possible. But I think  Branch is being underestimated big time. He was KO'd once by a slam well over 7 years ago. The only time he's ever been knocked out. And since then he has gone three rounds with Rumble. 

If Rumble couldn't put him away, I'm not exactly sure that Rockhold will. Also worth noting that when Rumble beat him by decision, that was part of the same run in which he KO'd guys like Kyle, Nogueira, and Gustafsson. Only Branch, Davis, and Arlovski were able to not get deaded by Rumble during that streak. 6 others were violently knocked out. 

I think that's worth something. Branch has a chin and it's really not been cracked much at all for the better part of a decade. 

The body kicks and whatnot could all be factors, but those are the shots that could give Branch the opening to take the fight to the mat. 

I am interested in this fight. I dig it.

* Edited at 07.23.2017, 3:23 AM ET *

Agreed^

I think this is payback for Rockhold giving the UFC crap in the media.

You're telling everyone we're crap? Here's a super tough fight with absolutely no market-value.

I don't have a problem with this fight. I don't even know why this card is happening...it should have been a Sunday card everyone is gonna be watching GGG vs Canelo Saturday night.

@Mike

After earing your argument, I switch for sub! You're right,  Branch got a hell of a chin!

@ShakeAndBake More UFC pushback against Luke? I don't know, but I'll be watching this Fight Night event, haha. 

Rockhold by sub.

@taco


I think you are going to be very mistaken here. I don't think branch will be able to do anything on the ground and will be in danger the moment they get to the mat.  Luke ground game and reversals are some of if not the best in his division.  He also the fastest guy in the division on the ground in transitions, from what I have seen.  I think Branch gets wrecked on the mat, and best shot is to try and KO Luke. Honestly I think Luke best attribute is his ground game and he be much more dangerous, if he made attempts to utilize it more. Pretty much every time, someone has taken him down, they have gotten rather dominated on the ground.  I mean look how little Wiedman could do on the ground with Luke, and how destroy he got, when Luke got on him.

i certainly think luke will look rusty, but i don't expect that to affect the outcome of this fight. both can go 5 and i think it will.

Grappling cominance by Rockhold, Branch may get lucky on the feet

Why are you so sure Rockhold takes the grappling? Branch is only a super strong Renzo Gracie black belt.

Would LOVE to be wrong

I believe this fight will get to the 4th or 5th round with Luke getting subbed by the Gracie ju jitsu black belt. I just don't think Luke can finish Branch on the feet, so I see this fight going back and forth until the 4th when Luke could tire and the more experienced Branch takes him down and chokes the conceited **** outta him to the joy of many.

I think Rockhold had a kind of front runner mentality before he lost to Bisping, like he believed he could not lose.  This fight will be interesting, in the past Rockhold has really imposed his will on his opponents, suffocated them with his talent and confidence.  Can he still do that?

I definitely give Branch more of a chance than most seem to, he is super durable and finds ways to win. The point you make about Rockhold's mind set is a great one, I've been wandering about that too. He seems like the kind of guy who is supremely confident or bricking it with nothing between.

Branch up to 15% on Tap . Was at 11% when I picked him . lol

This went exactly how I thought it would. Luke is on another level, then virtually every single person in his weight class on the ground. If he gets on top of these guys, they get destroyed. His size speed and skill, is just to much for them. He transition, on another level of speed, then I have seen anyone else in his division.