Former UFC fighter Diego Brandao is determined to return to the Octagon.
After years spent competing internationally, primarily in Russia, which saw his record shift significantly from 20-11 upon his UFC departure in 2016 to 29-22, Brandao decided it was time for a change.
The veteran of the UFC and winner of The Ultimate Fighter reality show made the decision to “fix his life” and leave those promotions, returning to North America with the explicit goal of proving he is still UFC caliber. The 38-year-old committed to facing promising prospects in the United States to make his case.
This strategy quickly paid off. In March, Brandao faced featherweight talent Jamie Siraj (12-2) and won with a viral first-round spinning wheel kick knockout, claiming the Tuff-N-Uff belt. Just recently, he successfully defended his title near the location of UFC 317, securing another wheel kick knockout victory, this time against younger Contender Series veteran Canaan Kawaihae.
Following his recent performance, Brandao expressed confidence in receiving a call from the UFC. Speaking to MMA Fighting, he said, “I think the UFC is going to call. We’ll talk to them tomorrow and see what they thought [of the fight].” He noted that UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby was in attendance but difficult to reach due to the crowd.
Brandao revealed that a conversation with Shelby was the catalyst for his decision to stop fighting in Russia. He recalled asking Shelby in Las Vegas what he needed to do to return to the UFC. Shelby`s response was direct: “`Diego, leave Russia and fight in your weight class. Knock three people out and call me.`”
Brandao took this advice to heart. “First fight, killed the man. Second one, boom, it’s over,” he stated, referring to his recent knockout wins. He is now focused on securing a third finish, trusting that “Sean Shelby is a man of his word” and will honor his promise.
Brandao understands that while UFC President Dana White has conceptually “cleared” him, his return hinges on Shelby and proving himself through performance. He believes White wants him to work hard and earn his spot back, recognizing Brandao`s past and ensuring he is committed this time (“Dana White won’t open the doors for me because he knows how I am, my past… Let him work.”). Brandao acknowledges he lacks the leverage of someone like Conor McGregor to simply demand a return and prefers this challenging path, feeling it allows him to truly “appreciate things.” He believes the UFC wants to see him in challenging fights to prove he is serious and willing to “work hard to value it.”
Brandao feels he has matured significantly since his previous UFC stint, both as a fighter and a person, leaving “out-of-the-cage drama” behind. He is focused on consistently defeating prospects. If the UFC call doesn`t come soon, he expects to defend his Tuff-N-Uff featherweight belt in November, potentially against veteran Kai Kamaka III (who has fought in UFC, Bellator, and PFL).
Regarding a potential bout with Kamaka III, Brandao exuded confidence, stating that among Hawaiian fighters he`s trained with, only BJ Penn could beat him, confidently adding, “The others, no chance. I’ll finish him.”
