Preview: PFL 2025 World Tournament 5: Semifinals

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the Semifinals of the PFL World Tournament LIVE Thursday, June 12 at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+

PFL Featherweight Semifinal
Jesus Pinedo (24-6-1) vs. Gabriel Braga (16-2)
Odds: Pinedo (-230); Braga (+190)

If this fight is anything like the first two meetings, then Pinedo and Braga are set to deliver another violently pleasing affair. The first fight was a torrid back-and-forth that scrap that Braga edged out by punishing Pinedo’s lead leg with sharp kicks. Pinedo claimed his revenge and the 2023 PFL featherweight championship in the rematch with a masterclass performance that culminated in the third round TKO.

Both fighters' paths towards stardom have diverged drastically since their clash nearly two years ago. Pinedo was expected to capitalize on his championship run with a fight against Patrício Freire but was sidelined throughout 2024 due to injuries. Braga has stayed busy and has won four of his last five while looking like a more well-rounded product in every fight.

The clash in styles is what makes this fight so intriguing. Braga is a stockier, more textbook-style fighter. His technique is solid, and he executes his striking in a balanced yet still explosive way. Pinedo on the other hand, is a lanky, awkward punching machine that’ll throw everything he’s got to get you out of there. Braga found a lot of success targeting Pinedo’s southpaw lead leg in the first fight. Still, Pinedo adjusted in the rematch by overwhelming Braga with punches at boxing range before closing the distance with knees in the clinch. Braga’s kicks were neutralized, and Pinedo’s flurries dwarfed his output.

There’s no escaping Pinedo’s pressure, but Braga has to make him pay for it. In the second fight, the Brazilian was too passive and would allow Pinedo to get off four to five punches before responding. Braga needs to incorporate his grappling and force Pinedo to rely on his flawed technique. A stand-and-trade type of match favors Pinedo, who lives for that type of fight, but if Braga utilizes all aspects of his game, then he can keep the Peruvian a step behind. At this point, nobody knows these two fighters better than the other, and it’ll be a treat to see how they’ve prepared for each other.

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Jackson vs. Jean
Pinedo vs. Braga
Storley vs. Kikuiri
Khaybulaev vs. Kim
The Prelims