Antonio Carlos Jr has claimed his second PFL title after a gruesome two rounds with Sullivan Cauley tonight in Florida.
In the first of three $500,000 finals on the night, ‘Shoeface’ went hell-for-leather with former Bellator star Cauley. Both men were dropped at different points, before the Brazilian eventually landed a big kick that got them to the ground where he locked in a rear naked choke.
It’s Carlos Jr’s second world title win under the PFL banner, after taking home the 2021 season prize when it was $1million. He will now likely have a close eye on Corey Anderson’s return to light heavyweight in Dubai this October.
Antonio Carlos Jr defeats Sullivan Cauley to win $500,000 PFL World Tournament
Two years after entering the Brazilian Big Brother house on season 23, Antonio Carlos Jr returned to the pinnacle of the PFL on Thursday night in Hollywood, Florida. The Brazilian had overcome former Bellator title contender Karl Moore and Brit Simeon Powell to earn his spot in the final.
It all led him to Sullivan Cauley, the renowned wrestler and Muay Thai champion. The American had arguably the tougher path to the finals on paper, defeating veteran Alex Polizzi in the opening round before taking on ex-UFC star Phil Davis in the semi-finals.
However, Carlos Jr showed his vast experience advantage as both men were forced to go through the trenches in a bout as gruelling as it was short. They both managed to score big knockdowns, with the Brazilian even utilizing an up-kick to send Cauley down shortly after.
Ultimately, he managed to get the fight to the ground with a head kick, and from there locked in a tight rear naked choke. It is his second world title under the PFL banner, and he now seems set up to face the winner of Corey Anderson vs Dovlet Yagshimuradov.
Antonio Carlos Jr is a former Big Brother housemate
After failing to reclaim his title in the 2022 season when an ACL injury forced him out of the playoffs, Carlos Jr went on to pursue other interests. And fans were surprised to see him appear on the Brazilian version of Big Brother.
He didn’t end up back in the cage until 2024 where he went 1-1 before this season where he has shown newfound tenacity in earning his second title. In terms of just prize money for tournament wins, the Brazilian has now pockets $1.5million from PFL.