TLDR
- Gabriel Braga faces Timur Khizriev in a rematch at PFL Chicago on Friday night after losing by split decision in 2024
- Braga plans to be more aggressive and worry less about takedown defense in the rematch
- The Brazilian featherweight has been training at California Mixed Martial Arts with Brazilian teammates
- Khizriev is 18-0 and won the 2024 PFL featherweight tournament but hasn’t fought in nearly two years
- The fight serves as the co-main event at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on October 16
Sources: middleeasy.com | cagesidepress.com | rg.org
Gabriel Braga plans to bring a completely different strategy when he faces Timur Khizriev at PFL Chicago on Friday night. The Brazilian featherweight lost to Khizriev by split decision in 2024 and says he won’t make the same mistakes twice.
“I lost (to) him 2024. This fight was tough fight, I lost split-decision,” Braga told reporters on Wednesday. “But now I will fight so better. Now it’s my time.”
Your PFL Chicago Co-Main Event IS GOING TO BE A BANGER
Timur Khizriev versus Gabriel Braga goes down tomorrow night!#PFLChicago | Friday, October 16th | Early Card 6PM EST on ESPN App | Main Card 11 PM EST on ESPN 2 pic.twitter.com/raGWFAHH01
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 16, 2026
New Training Camp, New Strategy
Braga has watched his first fight with Khizriev many times and knows exactly what he wants to change. Instead of playing defensive and worrying about takedowns, he plans to let his hands go and be more aggressive.
“I watch this fight a lot of times. Now I will be more aggressive,” Braga said. “In the first fight I was more careful with takedowns, but now I (won’t be).”
The Brazilian has been training at California Mixed Martial Arts for this rematch. He says the gym has been good for his preparation and he has several Brazilian friends training there.
Braga believes fans will see a different version of him when he steps into the cage Friday night. “I’m (a) new Gabriel,” he said. “Every fight, every year, and now I have more experience. More maturity.”
Khizriev Returns After Long Layoff
Timur Khizriev enters the fight with an 18-0 record and is ranked second in the PFL featherweight division. He won the 2024 PFL season and the $1 million prize with a decision over Brendan Loughnane.
Khizriev has not fought since his tournament victory nearly two years ago. Reports say his layoff came from recovery after an armed attack and a broken hand.
The undefeated fighter has won his last seven fights by decision. He has not finished an opponent in more than five years, with roughly 80 percent of his career wins coming by decision.
Braga holds a 17-3 record and is ranked fifth at featherweight. He is a former PFL finalist with wins over Marlon Moraes, Bubba Jenkins, and Chris Wade.
After his split decision loss to Khizriev in the 2024 semifinals, Braga was knocked out by Jesús Pinedo in 76 seconds in June 2025. He bounced back with a decision win over Cheyden Leialoha in April.
Braga says his approach to life has changed since the first fight. “I’m living a new life, and I’m feeling a new Gabriel, because this fight will (be) different,” he said.
The rematch serves as the co-main event at PFL Chicago at Wintrust Arena. The main event features Liz Carmouche defending the inaugural PFL women’s flyweight championship against Jena Bishop.
The main card starts at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. The early card begins at 6 p.m. ET on the ESPN app.
