PFL is saddened to learn about the passing
of Diego Braga. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and
family during this tragic time. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/kZ1rSskv9z— PFL (@PFLMMA)
January 16, 2024
Diego
Braga, a veteran of 32 professional MMA bouts, is dead at the
age of 44.
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Braga’s passing was confirmed by the
Professional Fighters League in a social media post on Monday.
Braga was the father of 2023 PFL featherweight finalist Gabriel
Braga.
“PFL is saddened to learn about the passing of Diego Braga,” read a
statement from the organization. “Our thoughts and prayers go out
to his friends and family during this tragic time. May he rest in
peace.”
According to a report from MMAFighting.com, Braga was allegedly killed in
Rio de Janeiro by members of the criminal organization Comando
Vermelho when he was mistaken for a member of a rival militia.
Braga was had reportedly been looking for his stolen motorcyle in a
favela when he was killed.
Braga competed primarily from 2003 to 2014 before returning for a
retirement bout at Future FC 7, where he shared the card with his
son. He compiled a 23-8-1 mark over the course of his career, with
notable losses to UFC veterans such as Charles
Oliveira, Adriano
Martins and Milton
Vieira. Braga was also the head coach for the Tropa
Thai team in Rio de Janeiro.
Gabriel
Braga, meanwhile, emerged as a talent to watch during the PFL
season, as he won his first three bouts before losing to Jesus
Pinedo in a rematch in the organization’s championship event on
Nov. 24. The 25-year-old is 12-1 in his burgeoning professional
tenure.