Combating isn’t any simple work. It has gotten considerably tougher for PFL featherweight Gabriel Braga because the demise 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 primary time with out his father within the nook when he knocked out Justin Gonzales within the first spherical in April. He returns to motion Friday in opposition to Bubba Jenkins at PFL 6 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and admits he’s nonetheless making an attempt to get used to the concept his father isn’t round.
“It wasn’t simple [at PFL 3], and it’s not being simple now,” Braga advised MMA Combating. “I’d be mendacity if I advised you it’s simple. However I attempt to keep constructive, attempt to stay life one of the simplest ways attainable, simply the way in which he taught me. I attempt to convey with me the teachings and good recollections. That’s what offers me the energy to maintain going and proceed to characterize him.”
Diego skilled a few of Brazil’s greatest, together with UFC legend Anderson Silva, and competed 32 occasions as knowledgeable MMA fighter, retiring in 2019 on a 6-fight successful streak after beating veteran Jamil Silveira on the identical evening his son improved to 4-0 within the sport.
“Every thing I do in preventing is for him,” Gabriel stated. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be even preventing. I’m very grateful for the daddy I had, for the good friend I had. I’ll at all times be grateful.”
Braga is near clinching a playoff spot after securing six factors for his first-round end in April, however received’t enter the cage stressing over it. The 26-year-old prospect stated he already anticipated to face Jenkins ever since he joined PFL, and “it’s time to beat him up now.”
“He’s a really skilled fighter who has fought for giant promotions everywhere in the world, however I’m prepared,” Braga stated. “I’m getting higher day-after-day, with a greater thoughts and higher physique, and able to beat anybody that steps in entrance of me. I’m going in there seeking to win it doesn’t matter what and beat everyone up.
“I don’t take note of factors. I feel it’s cool, however I received’t go in there too relaxed as a result of I bought six factors already. I’ll go in there to interrupt him and attempt to get one other six factors. That’s the mindset, brother. I wish to go in there and placed on a present and convey house one other victory. My objective is to go in there and finish this combat as quick as attainable.”
