Antonio Carlos Jr. Grateful to Have Second Championship Opportunity with PFL

Shortly after his departure from the UFC in 2021, Antonio Carlos Jr. wasted no time in making the most of his new opportunity with Professional Fighters League.

Carlos Jr. would join the PFL in April of 2021, and he went 2-0-1 to find himself in the light heavyweight championship. Known for his well-respected jiu-jitsu skillset, Carlos Jr. would wrap up a first-round submission to capture a PFL world title less than one year after leaving the UFC.

Following an incredibly impressive start in the PFL, which saw him go 6-0-1 in his first seven fights, adversity would strike Carlos Jr., as he suffered multiple injuries and faced several surgeries that kept him sidelined for nearly two years. Carlos Jr. returned last year to go 1-1, but in 2025, he stormed out of the gate in the new world tournament format and is now back in a championship fight.

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament Finals LIVE Friday, Aug. 1 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+

After defeating Simeon Powell in the semifinals, Carlos Jr. punched his ticket to the PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Championship, where he will face rising young talent Sullivan Cauley on Aug. 21.

Getting back to a championship in the new tournament format is something that excites Carlos Jr. given the amount of time he spent on the sideline.

“It’s great, after so many injuries, so many things that happened in my life, it’s good to be back,” he said following his victory at PFL World Tournament 7. “I made my way to the championship, and I hope I’m going to get another belt.”

Carlos Jr. Pleased with Performance in PFL Semifinal

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Carlos Jr. showed a variety of skills against Powell, winning most of the striking exchanges throughout all 15 minutes of their matchup.

“It’s MMA, man,” he said. “It’s not a wrestling match, it’s not a jiu-jitsu match. I know I have to mix it up. I tried taking him down, and he did a pretty good job of defending them. He did a great job, I didn’t expect that. But as far as my striking, I feel great, my timing, I was more aware in the fight against him.”

While many fighters could’ve thrown in the towel, especially after already capturing gold in the promotion rather than battle through the injuries, Carlos Jr. said his career story is not over just yet.

“I’ve learned to just do what I love with all your heart, all your soul, and believe in yourself,” he said. “You’ve got to keep good people by your side. I would be the first one to become champion in the light heavyweight division. I’m so happy to be part of the PFL. I feel great, and I’m ready for this opportunity.”