Jiu-jitsu instructor and ironworker David Branch anticipates backing from his students and colleagues in the ironworking profession for his upcoming UFC 230 bout

David Branch, a mixed martial artist hailing from the five boroughs of New York City, is ready to make his mark at the UFC 230 pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden this Saturday.

Branch, who currently ranks No. 7 in the UFC middleweight contender rankings, has an impressive record of 22-4. Originally scheduled to face Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Branch will now take on Jared Cannonier, following an injury to Luke Rockhold.

For Branch, Madison Square Garden is not just "The World's Most Famous Arena," but a place that holds personal memories. He recalls walking past the venue with his mother when he was poor and couldn't afford tickets. Now, many of the ironworkers he worked with for over five years will be in the crowd, cheering him on.

Branch runs David Branch Jiu Jitsu out of Hoboken, New Jersey, and has made a commitment to MMA roughly a decade ago, while also working for the Local 580 Ironworkers of New York City. He received support from his foreman when he decided to focus on MMA, with the foreman telling him, "Get it done, kid. Don't stop."

Branch is determined to make the best of his UFC 230 bout and "do his job, do it well, and go home to his family." He believes that everything happens for a reason, and this opportunity to compete at Madison Square Garden is something he has envisioned.

Predictions for other UFC 230 bouts, including the Heavyweight title and Middleweight matches, are also provided in the article. Scott's prediction for the Middleweight bout between David Branch and Jared Cannonier is that Branch will win.

As a native of New York City, Branch finds great significance in competing at Madison Square Garden. He is ready to embrace this opportunity and create memories that will last a lifetime.

For further reading, you can find a preview of the Jets-Dolphins game elsewhere in this publication.

Jiu-jitsu instructor and ironworker David Branch anticipates backing from his students and colleagues in the ironworking profession for his upcoming UFC 230 bout