Gabriel Braga is set to face Jesus Pinedo in a highly anticipated trilogy bout co-headlining PFL 5 this Thursday in Nashville. The Brazilian fighter is openly seeking retribution in this pivotal matchup.
The featherweights have a history that includes a split decision win for Braga in their first meeting in early 2023. However, Pinedo later claimed the championship title with a third-round stoppage victory over Braga. Their upcoming encounter serves as a semi-final eliminator in this year`s featherweight tournament, and Braga has demonstrated a clear increase in intensity during fight week confrontations.
Braga expressed that his approach for this fight is marked by a new level of intensity, different from their previous bouts. He stated his focus extends beyond just physical and technical preparation, emphasizing a stronger mental game and a heightened sense of determination going into Thursday.
Reflecting on their second fight in November 2023, Braga noted that Pinedo seemed to return with significant animosity, a sentiment that Braga now shares as he prepares for their third clash.
Braga voiced frustration regarding Pinedo`s lack of verbal engagement during their recent faceoff, contrasting it sharply with Pinedo`s past tendency to trash talk. He mentioned challenging Pinedo to speak up during the staredown. Braga underscored his peak level of focus and preparation, confident in his ability to prove he is the superior fighter.
He acknowledged that the TKO loss to Pinedo was particularly painful, not only being his first career defeat but also costing him a championship and a substantial prize. Nevertheless, Braga views that experience as a crucial turning point that fostered significant maturity, setting the stage for another run at the gold in the future.
Braga highlighted his intention to fight with increased aggression. While victory remains his primary objective, he explicitly stated a desire to inflict damage on Pinedo. He described his current mindset as highly aggressive, aimed at securing a decisive win without relying on the judges` scorecards. Braga plans to dominate every round, predicting a finish if Pinedo cannot withstand his pressure.
