Timur Khizriev has never lost in 16 professional MMA fights, but Gabriel Braga vows to inflict his first-ever defeat on Friday at PFL 9.
Braga reached the lightweight final in 2023, losing to Jesus Pinedo in what was his only loss in the sport, but climbed back into the playoffs after two consecutive losses to Justin Gonzales and Bubba Jenkins earlier this year.
“Everyone is undefeated until one day they lose, and now it’s his turn,” Braga said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “I always fight tough opponents, so this is nothing new for me. I’m 100 percent ready, both mentally and physically. I’m ready to put on another show in there and get the win.”
Khizriev went 3-0 in Bellator, including a win over former title contender Daniel Weichel, before picking up two wins under the PFL banner this year. Despite his undefeated record, Braga said he sees gaps in his game.
“I’m the type of athlete that sees flaws in every fighter,” Braga said. “Nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. He tends to get into positions, buy time and keep it all going until the end and we definitely trained on that and his techniques to make sure we could put on a spectacle there.”
“Sometimes he stands and trades,” he continued. “But I think he’ll definitely want to wrestle me once he feels my pressure on his feet. I’ll be ready for that match and I’ll fight him all night.”
Braga said the experience of competing in the 2023 championship final had better prepared him to perform under pressure and deliver exciting performances, and he felt ready to “chase the belt this year”.
Brendan Loughnane and Kai Kamaka III will battle for the other finals spot in the main event of PFL 9 at The Anthem, and Braga admits he would rather face Loughnane for gold. Loughnane won the 2022 PFL season championship and has stopped Pedro Carvalho and Justin Gonzales so far this year.
“It’s a good fight with two good fighters,” said Braga. “Brendan is fast, but Kamaka is very tough, a bruiser. But I think Brendan will win. I will win my fight and I would like to face him in the final.”
