Diego Brandao is prioritizing competition over money in 2025, aiming to rebuild his career and return to the UFC by taking on challenging fights, including an upcoming bout against featherweight prospect Jamie Siraj.
Diego Brandao is choosing competition over cash in 2025, hoping it leads him back to the UFC cage. A former Ultimate Fighter reality show winner, Brandao notched six wins in ten octagon appearances from 2011 to 2016. He faced big names like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Brian Ortega. But outside the UFC? His journey was rocky.
Brandao’s life outside the octagon was tumultuous. Allegations of pistol-whipping a man outside a strip club—he claimed self-defense—and wild brawls in Russia marked his path. Enough was enough, he decided.
Facing 12-2 featherweight prospect Jamie Siraj for the Tuff-N-Uff belt, Brandao views Friday night’s event at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas as a fresh start. Since leaving the UFC, he fought across the globe—from Russia to Japan—going 9-11.
"It was a reset in my head," Brandao explained about his move to Russia, where he hit career lows with six consecutive losses. "I was basically starting over."
In Russia, he earned up to $40,000 per fight but chose to leave that behind. Instead of being a stepping stone for Russian fighters, he’s rebuilding his career. The bout with Siraj is part of a three-fight deal.
"I’m trying to fix my life," Brandao stated. "Forget money, let’s start from scratch." Back in the U.S., he’s ready to fight for his name, not dollars. "It all starts Friday, brother."
His coaches, Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn, believe this fight could be his ticket back to the UFC. Conversations with Dana White and Sean Shelby have been ongoing for over a year. Leaving Russia wasn’t easy; they paid well there.
Brandao isn’t shy about taking a pay cut for opportunity’s sake. "I’m fighting for $5,000 because it’s a big opportunity," he admitted. It’s about proving himself now.
A win on Friday might not immediately land him back in the UFC—Brandao agrees it’s too soon—but ending Siraj’s winning streak would be significant.
"Winning this one and two more title defenses, I think it’s UFC time," Brandao said confidently. He’s following the plan laid out by UFC matchmakers: win fights and entertain.
Siraj is reportedly on the brink of signing with the UFC. Brandao knows this fight is crucial—a make-or-break moment in his quest to return to the top tier of MMA.
"I know this is my last shot at getting back to the UFC," he declared passionately. For Brandao, it’s more than just a fight; it’s a dream worth chasing until the end.