By FCF Staff

David Branch failed to get back on track today at Russian Cagefighting Championship’s latest event, as the UFC veteran was submitted by Alexander Shlemenko.

Branch was fighting for the first time since March, when he was submitted by Jack Hermansson at UFC on ESPN 2. The former WSOF champ threatened Shlemenko with some choke attempts in the RCC 7 main event. But, late into the opening round Shlemenko secured a painful-looking, choke/neck crack that forced the BJJ black belt to tap.

Alexander Shlemenko choked Branch in 1R (RCC) pic.twitter.com/DvBqyrOBGl

— Jolassanda (@Jolassanda1) December 14, 2019

Good lord that was nasty. What a sub for Shlemenko over the Gracie black belt. #RCC7 pic.twitter.com/DCbCDeIa86

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 14, 2019

With the win, Shlemenko’s record now sits at 59-12. Branch now carries a record of 22-7 and has lost three in a row.