Antonio Carlos Jr. is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist and world champion, having found plenty of success in that discipline, as well as the biggest stages of MMA. Carlos Jr.’s skillset, in fact, helped him work his way to the PFL Light Heavyweight World Championship in 2021. Now, Carlos Jr., who is 7-1 (1 NC) in his last nine, finds himself one fight away from another major opportunity with the PFL after knocking off Karl Moore during the First Round of the World Tournament in May.

 

Simeon Powell often backs his striking and footwork as the keys to his success in the sport. Powell, who recently joined Kill Cliff FC, made it to the finals of the 2023 PFL Europe light heavyweight tournament, falling short against Jakob Nedoh. He went on to earn a split decision over Rafael Xavier last September before defeating Karl Albrektsson in the First Round of the World Tournament.

 

Which of these two men will advance to the Finals of the World Tournament at Light Heavyweight?

 

 

Round 1

 

Powell bounces around the outside. Left hand from Powell. Carlos Jr. missing with the left. Low kick from Carlos Jr. Right hand from Carlos Jr. lands, then he looks for the double-leg takedown, pressing Powell into the fence. Powell looks to break and keep the fight on the feet. Knee from Carlos Jr. Knee to the body by Carlos Jr. Carlos Jr. trying to take Powell’s balance away from him. Strong knee to the legs by Carlos Jr.

 

The referee calls for more action, telling the fighters to continue after an apparent cup check. Powell breaks away, and the fight returns to the center. Carlos Jr. continues to press. Front kick from Carlos Jr. Left hand from Carlos Jr. Combinations from Carlos Jr. Carlos Jr. level changes and then throws a knee. Jab by Powell. Carlos Jr. misses a combination. Left hands from both men. Carlos Jr. misses a right hand. Powell misses a right. Right hand from Powell. Right hand from Carlos Jr. And another. Switch knee from Powell misses. Carlos Jr. lands a leg kick.

 

 

Round 2

 

Right hand from Carlos Jr. Front kick from Carlos Jr. Low kick from Carlos Jr., and he follows it with a takedown. Carlos Jr. getting to Powell’s back as he gets to his feet. Carlos Jr. drags Powell to the mat while taking the back. Powell tries to get back to his feet, but Carlos Jr. is still on his back. Carlos Jr. tries to take the balance away from Powell. Powell trying to control the wrists. Carlos Jr. lands a pair of knees before the break. Carlos Jr. lands a left on the exit.

 

Both men land punches. Right hand from Powell. Right hand from Carlos Jr. now as Powell moves forward. Stiff jab from Powell. Both men miss straights. Carlos Jr. flashes the knee. Check hook from Carlos Jr. Carlos Jr. shoots in and presses Powell against the fence again. Carlos Jr. tries to work inside. The ref calls for action. Powell reverses the position and separates. Powell tries to come forward, landing a right to the body. Carlos Jr. level changes, but Powell stuffs the takedown. Powell tries for an Anaconda but lets it go and returns to the feet. Low kick from Carlos Jr. High kick from Powell narrowly misses.

 

 

Round 3

 

Front kick from Carlos Jr. Left hand from Carlos Jr. as Powell moves around the outside. Cross from Powell, but Carlos Jr. responds in kind. Carlos Jr. with a one-two, and then he looks for the takedown again. Carlos Jr. pressing Powell against the fence once more. Carlos Jr. lands a strong elbow and a left hook as Powell aims for the body. Carlos Jr. with a counterpunch that seems to do damage. Powell dodges a right hand.

 

 

Carlos Jr. misses a right again. Low kick from Powell. Low kick and a pair of left hands from Powell. Body kick from Carlos Jr. Right hand from Carlos Jr. Strong right and a left from Carlos Jr. Carlos Jr. continues to press and looks for another takedown, pressing Powell again. Carlos Jr. tries to lift Powell, but Powell keeps his balance for now. The action returns to the center. Combination from Powell. Carlos Jr. goes for the takedown, but Powell sprawls. Powell joins Carlos Jr., landing elbows from up top in Carlos Jr’s guard. A couple of right hands land from Powell. Carlos Jr. closes the guard briefly. Left hand from Carlos Jr. Small flurry on top from Powell.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Antonio Carlos Jr. defeats Simeon Powell by unanimous decision (29-28 x3), advancing to the final in the Light Heavyweight Bracket. He’ll face the winner of Phil Davis vs Sullivan Cauley for the 2025 PFL World Tournament Light Heavyweight Title.