Brazilian MMA Veteran Diego Braga Dead at 44

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.

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.