Gabriel Braga is gearing up for a revenge mission in his trilogy fight against Jesus Pinedo, set to co-headline PFL 5 this Thursday in Nashville. This highly anticipated bout marks the third meeting between the featherweight competitors.
Their rivalry began in early 2023 with Braga securing a split decision victory. However, Pinedo retaliated later the same year, claiming the 145-pound championship by stopping Braga in the third round. Now, they clash again with a spot in this year’s featherweight tournament final on the line, and Braga displayed significant intensity during their recent faceoff.
“This is the energy I`m bringing,” Braga told MMA Fighting, referring to his demeanor during the staredown. He explained that this level of intensity is something he specifically adopted for this particular fight, setting it apart from their previous encounters. Braga emphasized a shift in his approach, focusing on mental readiness alongside his physical and technical preparation.
Braga drew a parallel between his current feelings and what he perceived as Pinedo`s “hate” in their November 2023 rematch. He stated his intention to demonstrate that same intensity on Thursday. Braga expressed frustration over Pinedo`s silence during their faceoff, questioning why his opponent would talk elsewhere but remain quiet when standing directly in front of him. He recounted challenging Pinedo to speak during their staredown.
Admitting that the TKO loss to Pinedo for the title was the most painful of his career, Braga acknowledged it significantly contributed to his maturity. He sees the defeat as a catalyst that helped him bounce back and set his sights on reclaiming gold in the future.
This experience has led Braga to adopt a more aggressive mindset. While winning is paramount, he openly declared his goal is to “hurt” Pinedo in the cage. Braga is determined to avoid leaving the decision in the hands of the judges, aiming instead to dominate every round or secure a finish if Pinedo cannot withstand his offensive pressure.
