Gabriel Braga began his MMA career 12-0 and found himself on the doorstep of a PFL world title before a stunning upset loss to Jesus Pinedo in the 2023 PFL Featherweight World Championship fight. After dealing with the tragic loss of his father, Braga defeated Justin Gonzales and Bubba Jenkins in last year’s regular season before a loss to 2024 World Champion Timur Khizriev in the semifinals. He fought on the undercard of the 2024 PFL World Championships, scoring a decision over Jeremy Kennedy.

 

Canada’s Fred Dupras has won eight of nine fights to start his MMA career, including a six-fight win streak as he enters his first major MMA stage tonight. Dupras is a submission specialist, with all of his wins coming via tap out – seven coming in the first round, five coming via guillotine. He scored a victory back in August, defeating Jesse Arnett via second-round submission.

 

Will Braga get right back to work in the new tournament format? Or will Dupras pull off a major upset in his PFL debut?

 

 

Round 1

 

Dupras immediately throws a kick and presses Braga into the fence with a takedown attempt. Braga uses his arms and balance to keep himself up. Dupras trips Braga and gets him to the ground. Dupras is looking for a guillotine but can’t get it. Dupras lands a couple of shots before locking the guillotine up again! Braga trying to elevate his hips and fight out of it. Dupras grips his legs. Braga frees his head and is on top! Braga lands an elbow. Braga with a few straight right hands. Dupras throws up his legs for an armbar, but Braga easily shakes it off. Another straight right from Braga, being selective with his ground-and-pound.

 

 

Dupras gives up his back. Braga cannot get hooks in. Dupras gets to his feet, but Braga keeps him low. Braga continues to kick out the base of Dupras. Braga is able to get a hook in. Braga works himself onto Dupras’ back and might be looking for a choke. Dupras turns and Braga floats over to the back as he continues to search for the choke. Braga trying to get under the chin, but Dupras is fighting the hands. Braga gets there and squeezes. Dupras taps!

 

 

Gabriel Braga is headed to the semifinals!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Gabriel Braga def. Fred Dupras by Submission [RNC] (Round 1: 4:37) in a featherweight first round fight.

 

Braga improves record to 16-2

 

He moves to the semifinals where he will face the winner of Jesus Pinedo vs. Adam Borics.