Bruno Cappelozza recalls emotional 2021 PFL final – winning $1 million, but learning of father’s death

Bruno Cappelozza recalls emotional 2021 PFL final – winning $1 million, but learning of father’s death

Bruno Cappelozza’s championship win of the 2021 PFL season came with a clash of emotions.

Last November, the Brazilian heavyweight defeated Ante Delija in a wild brawl that turned out to be one of the best fights of the season. With the win, Cappelozza (14-5) fulfilled his dream of becoming a champion of a major promotion, picking up the 2021 PFL heavyweight title and taking home the grand prize of $1 million.

But all those blessings also came with misfortune. That night after becoming champion, Cappelozza was told his father, Joao Cappelozza, died three days prior to the championship bout. It was an emotional moment, to say the least.

“It was the happiest and saddest day of my life,” Cappelozza told MMA Junkie at the 2022 PFL 2 media day. “It was a huge loss for me and my family. We’re still feeling his absence, but I’m certain of his place in heaven.

“I know he must be very proud. He always wanted to see me become a world champion. It was a long-awaited moment. I’m certain he’s very happy.”

Cappelozza’s family withheld the news of his father’s death so that he would not be distracted before his fight. The 32-year-old is grateful for the way his family and his team decided to handle the situation.

“It was a very tough decision – not only for my family, but also for my team,” Cappelozza said. “My mom decided not to tell me because of the relationship I had with my dad. She knew that if she had told me, I wouldn’t have fought in the final and I would’ve returned to Brazil. So I thank my mom and my team from the bottom of my heart for all the support on the day of the fight.”

Cappelozza returns this 2022 season in hopes to become champion a second time. He takes on Stuart Austin in the opening bout of the heavyweight season. The contest is set to go down in the main event of 2022 PFL 2 card in Arlington, Texas.

Cappelozza knows he made his father proud with the victory and is eager to win the title once again.

“For sure I would’ve returned home and I would’ve given him a big hug and said that we made it, we accomplished the dream,” Cappelozza said. “I get a little emotional just thinking of this. Our relationship was so special. I know I made him proud and he would’ve known we did it.”