Gabriel Braga aims to represent late father at PFL: ‘If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be even fighting’

Fighting is no easy work. It has gotten significantly harder for PFL featherweight Gabriel Braga since the death of his father and mentor Diego Braga in January.

Braga, who went from a PFL alternate to 145-pound finalist in 2023, fought for the first time without his father in the corner when he knocked out Justin Gonzales in the first round in April. He returns to action Friday against Bubba Jenkins at PFL 6 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and admits he’s still trying to get used to the idea his father is not around.

“It wasn’t easy [at PFL 3], and it’s not being easy now,” Braga told MMA Fighting. “I’d be lying if I told you it’s easy. But I try to stay positive, try to live life the best way possible, just the way he taught me. I try to bring with me the lessons and good memories. That’s what gives me the strength to keep going and continue to represent him.”

Diego trained some of Brazil’s best, including UFC legend Anderson Silva, and competed 32 times as a professional MMA fighter, retiring in 2019 on a 6-fight winning streak after beating veteran Jamil Silveira on the same night his son improved to 4-0 in the sport.

“Everything I do in fighting is for him,” Gabriel said. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be even fighting. I’m very grateful for the father I had, for the friend I had. I’ll always be grateful.”

Braga is close to clinching a playoff spot after securing six points for his first-round finish in April, but won’t enter the cage stressing over it. The 26-year-old prospect said he already expected to face Jenkins ever since he joined PFL, and “it’s time to beat him up now.”

“He’s a very experienced fighter who has fought for big promotions all over the world, but I’m ready,” Braga said. “I’m getting better every day, with a better mind and better body, and ready to beat anyone that steps in front of me. I go in there looking to win no matter what and beat everybody up.

“I don’t pay attention to points. I think it’s cool, but I won’t go in there too relaxed because I got six points already. I’ll go in there to break him and try to get another six points. That’s the mindset, brother. I want to go in there and put on a show and bring home another victory. My goal is to go in there and end this fight as fast as possible.”