UFC fighter pulled from recent Vancouver card banned two years for doping

American middleweight David Branch, who dropped off the UFC’s recent Vancouver card, has been banned two years for doping.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said the 37-year-old fighter had tested positive for ipamorelin. USADA says ipamorelin stimulates the brain to release human growth hormone and is used by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug.

Branch, 37, tested positive in an out-of-competition urine sample provided May 24. His two-year ban began July 26, 2019, the date his provisional suspension was imposed.

Branch’s withdrawal from last Saturday’s Vancouver card was announced Aug. 1. At the time, a UFC spokeswoman said the fighter had dropped out “due to health issues.”

Branch (22-6-0) has lost three of his last four UFC fights and is 4-5-0 in two stints in the promotion.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2019.