Antonio Carlos Junior became a two-time PFL champion Thursday at 2025 PFL World Tournament 10 when he claimed the light heavyweight crown against Sullivan Cauley.
Carlos Junior (19-6) came out by displaying dangerous striking and hurting Cauley (8-2) early in Round 1. He found himself dropped moments later, only to turn the tide with a nasty upkick, which turned his fortunes around for good.
After further bloodying Cauley on the feet, Carlos Junior got it to the ground, took the back and locked in a rear-naked choke for the tap at the 3:44 mark of Round 2.
Check out the replay of Carlos Junior’s championship performance below (via X):
After winning the 2021 PFL season, Carlos Junior has struggled to find his perfect form due to injuries and layoffs. He picked up decision wins over Karl Moore and Simeon Powell to make it to the tournament final, and then came through with his best performance to win the belt and prize money.
“Just me and the people around me know what I’ve been through these past two years,” Carlos Junior said. “Five, six surgeries, just on the knees. To come back and win another belt, it’s just incredible. So f*cking happy man.”
