Diego Brandao, the first Brazilian to win The Ultimate Fighter, recently defended the Tuff-N-Uff featherweight title wearing Alex Pereira custom shorts, which gained attention for their connection to his name and performance, as he prepares for a possible UFC return.
Diego Brandao’s recent performances have caught attention both in the cage and with his style. Known for his explosive fights, he’s also making waves with his fashion choices.
Brandao, the first Brazilian to win a season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2011, recently defended his Tuff-N-Uff featherweight title. He did so by finishing 145-pound prospects Jamie Siraj and Canaan Kawaihae. Fans noticed he sported Alex Pereira custom shorts, originally designed for Pereira’s UFC 300 fight with Jamahal Hill.
Interestingly, this wasn’t Brandao’s initial plan. “I went to buy Jose Aldo shorts, Brazil, the yellow one,” he shared with MMA Fighting. But when he arrived at the UFC Performance Institute, they were out. Frustrated, he settled for Pereira’s shorts. “People told me, ‘Take this one, it’s Alex Poatan.’ And my name, in case you don’t know, is Diego Pereira Brandao. ‘F*ck. You know what? I’ll fight with these shorts.’”
Pereira finished Hill quickly in April 2024, and Brandao took just 14 seconds longer to stop Siraj. He later went to championship rounds against Kawaihae, securing another knockout.
“It’s God, brother,” Brandao remarked, amused by the ‘Mini Poatan’ nickname he earned from fans. Though he initially wanted the yellow Aldo shorts for his U.S. return, he found the switch to Poatan’s gear to be a happy accident.
Looking ahead, the 38-year-old plans to defend his title against Kai Kamaka III in November. Yet, he’s eyeing a potential UFC deal soon.