Former UFC competitor Diego Brandão staked claim to another championship this past Friday in highlight-reel fashion.
Main Event Showdown in Las Vegas Pit Diego Brandão against Hot Prospect
Traveling all the way to Nevada, the veteran Diego Brandão was billed to compete in the headlining bout at Tuff-N-Uff 142 opposite reigning featherweight champion Jamie Siraj. Being one of the most experienced 145-lb fighters in the world with over 50 professional contests, Diego Brandão has fought all over the world and has faced some of the biggest names of his division.
Diego Brandão Continues Impressive Career
From Rizin Fighting Federation to the UFC, “DB” has shared the cage with notable competition such as Darren Elkins, Dustin Poirier, Brian Ortega and Conor McGregor. He also won the 14th season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2011, stopping all four of his opponents in the tournament.
Although not as well-traveled as his Brazilian adversary, Siraj had embarked on a sterling run through the regional scene, going on an amazing ninr-fight winning streak dating back to 2017. This included six finishes, two of which went to the fifth round, implying the defending champion had the cardio and durability to withstand a long, protracted struggle with his older challenger in Diego Brandão.
Grizzled Striker Records Performance of Later-Stage Career
At 37, and with a multitude of miles already accrued across his 20-year stint in MMA, it seemed on the outset that Diego Brandão had his hands full with the younger Siraj. Despite being 4-2 in his last six matches, his defeats ended in brutal knockouts inside the first two rounds, suggesting that the Brazilian’s chin may not be as strong as it once was.
Even if the scrap did go into the later stanzas, Siraj looked to have the better gas tank, as the Canadian had gone to the championship rounds twice, while Diego Brandão had never gone past the third round ever.
Diego Brandão Goes In For the Knockout
Their encounter wouldn’t go that long, however, as the challenger emphatically ripped the title away from Siraj with a monumental upset victory. Whether it was because of his extensive background in the standup, or because he was wearing a pair of Alex Pereira-themed UFC shorts, Brandão flattened the champion by knockout.
Look at what it means for Diego!!!!
That concludes Tuff-N-Uff 142 with Diego Brandão walking away with a new TNU featherweight championship belt 🏆 pic.twitter.com/H5PLnjoBWr
— Tuff-N-Uff MMA (@tuffnuff) March 15, 2025
Taking a page out of his countryman’s book, Edson Barboza, “DB” delivered a monstrous spinning wheel kick that dropped Siraj, opening him up for follow up punches that ended the bout. Capturing his fourth MMA strap, Diego Brandão was quick to praise his foe for his long stay in the winner’s circle, while also suggesting that he is still determined to make it back into the UFC.
“The kid is pretty tough, the kid didn’t have a loss for nine years,” Diego Brandão said. “I prepared myself like I was going to fight Conor McGregor, Brian Ortega or Dustin Poirier, or some guy like that. I prepared myself. Max Holloway, Diego Lopes, where you guys at? I’m coming back to the UFC to smash all you guys.”
Diego Brandão Makes Pitch to Dana White
Gripping his newly-earned title, Diego Brandão immediately began to call on Dana White and Sean Shelby for another shot at competing in the UFC for a second time.
“If Dana White is here, check this out Dana,” he said “Sean Shelby, what’s up? Watch out, let me back!”
