Gabriel Braga and Jesus Pinedo are set for their highly anticipated trilogy fight, co-headlining PFL 5 in Nashville this Thursday. The Brazilian fighter is clearly seeking vengeance.
These skilled featherweights first faced off in early 2023, resulting in a split decision win for Braga. However, Pinedo got his redemption later that year by stopping Braga in the third round to win the 145-pound title. Their third meeting is crucial, as the winner advances to the finals of this year`s featherweight tournament. Braga showed intense emotion during their fight week staredown.
“This is the energy I`m bringing into this fight,” Braga stated. “From the moment I knew we would fight again, I adopted this mindset, this intensity, something I didn`t have in our previous encounters. Now I`m approaching it differently, focusing on not just the physical and technical aspects, but also the mental game. I`m much more focused and eager for this bout.”
Braga mentioned that Pinedo seemed to approach their November 2023 rematch with increased animosity, and Braga now feels the same way.
“I understand how he felt, and I plan to demonstrate that this Thursday,” Braga remarked. He expressed frustration with Pinedo`s quiet demeanor during their faceoff. “That`s what irritates me,” he continued, “he talks trash when others are around, but when we`re face-to-face, he goes silent? I said to him [Monday], `You enjoy talking, so why are you quiet now? Say something.` But anyway, I`m extremely focused. I`ve never been more ready. I`m coming to show on Thursday that I am superior to him.”
Braga confessed that the TKO defeat by Pinedo, his first professional loss, was the most painful due to it being a title fight with a substantial prize. He credits this loss with helping him significantly “mature” and motivating him to aim for the championship again in 2025.
“I`m approaching this more aggressively,” Braga stated. “While winning the fight is ultimately what matters most, I specifically want to inflict damage on him in there. I have a very offensive mentality now. I don`t want this fight to go to the judges. I don`t want to leave the outcome to chance or external decisions. I intend to go in and control every round, assuming he can withstand it. If he can`t, I`ll finish him early. I will stop him myself.”
