Sullivan Cauley Confident He’s One of the Best Light Heavyweights 'In the World'

Sullivan Cauley had to take some time away from MMA and in doing so, found a better version of himself as a man and a fighter.

Cauley, who defeated veteran Phil Davis in the PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Semifinals, is now set to take on Antonio Carlos Jr. for the tournament championship. He silenced a lot of critics in his win over Davis.

Prior to the start of the PFL’s Light Heavyweight Tournament, Cauley had been sidelined since August 2023, when he picked up a victory at Bellator 298. To begin his career, Cauley had a 7-1 record, and in all eight fights he had not been out of the first round. That changed against Davis, when Cauley went 15 minutes for the first time in his career to pick up a unanimous decision victory.

Cauley said he learned just what he’s capable of in his victory over Davis.

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

“I really had to dig deep there in Rounds 2 and 3,” Cauley told media following his victory at PFL World Tournament 7. “I think Phil and I were both tired coming out of the first round, and I had to dig deep and fight hard. I was busted up, I was breathing hard, but that’s the kind of guy that I am. When you’re knocking people out in the first round you don’t get to show that, but I think I was able to show people what I’m truly made of in this fight.”

Cauley landed a big head kick and follow-up punch that dropped Davis, but it was not enough to put the former champion away. Cauley praised Davis for his toughness and durability and acknowledged there was a learning moment for him in that sequence.

“It didn’t shock me at first because the head kick glanced him, but my right hand dropped him and I thought that the fight was over, but he was able to bury his head on the double leg,” Cauley said. “Phil has never been knocked out. He’s obviously durable. There was no real surprise there.”

Manifesting the highest level of success for his career is one thing, but actually going out and doing it was a moment that Cauley will hold onto for proving himself right.

“I couldn’t be more confident,” he said. “I knew I was good enough to beat Phil but believing it and doing it are two completely different things. This is just an affirmation for me, my skillset, beating a guy like Phil Davis in the way I did, I know I’m one of the best 205-pound fighters in the world.”

Cauley Looks Ahead to PFL Finals Matchup

Cauley will now face another accomplished veteran in Antonio Carlos Jr., and he looks forward to the grappling challenge the 2021 PFL champion will present.

“Another veteran, another really tough guy,” Cauley said. “World class jiu-jitsu, so it presents a unique set of challenges. I don’t think he can strike with me. I’m going to be in and out, and I’ll move side to side, and I’m going to knock him out.”