Gabriel Braga is seeking revenge in his trilogy fight against Jesus Pinedo, which co-headlines PFL 5 this Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Brazilian fighter is clearly focused on evening the score.
These skilled featherweights first faced off in early 2023, a bout Braga won by split decision. However, Pinedo got his revenge and the 145-pound championship later that year with a third-round knockout. Their upcoming fight is for a place in this year`s featherweight tournament final, and Braga showed intense energy during the fight week staredown.
Braga commented on his mindset for the fight, stating:
“This is the energy I`m bringing for this fight. From the moment I knew I`d fight him, I adopted this intense approach, something I didn`t have in our earlier bouts. Now, my strategy is different – not just physically and technically, but mentally too. I`m more focused and motivated for this rematch.”
Braga recalled Pinedo returning “with more hate” for their November 2023 rematch, a feeling Braga says he now shares.
Annoyed by Pinedo`s quietness during the faceoff, Braga stated:
“I understand how he felt, and I`ll demonstrate that on Thursday… It irritates me because he`ll talk trash in front of others, but stays silent when facing me. I asked him [Monday], `You enjoy talking, but now you`re quiet? Speak up.` Regardless, I`m extremely focused and better prepared than ever. I aim to prove I`m superior on Thursday.”
Braga confessed that the TKO loss to Pinedo, his first professional defeat, was the most painful because it cost him a title and a significant prize. He credits this loss with helping him “mature” and prepare to pursue the championship again in 2025.
Braga declared his increased aggression:
“I`m more aggressive… While winning is ultimately what matters most, I intend to hurt him in the cage. I now have a highly aggressive approach. I don`t want the fight decided by the judges or let others hand him the victory. I plan to dominate every round, provided he can withstand it. If not, I`ll finish him earlier. I`ll be the one to stop him.”
Percy Harlow