Ireland’s Karl Moore saw his journey in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) 2025 Light-Heavyweight World Championship come to an end following a closely contested split-decision loss to Brazilian veteran Antonio Carlos Junior. The bout took place at the renowned Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, as part of the league’s ongoing knockout-format tournament.
In a clash that highlighted contrasting fighting styles, Moore, a skilled striker with a solid grappling background, was outmaneuvered on the ground by the former PFL champion, Carlos Junior. Despite staging a late resurgence in the final round, Moore was unable to sway two of the three judges, both of whom scored the fight 29-28 in favor of the Brazilian. The third judge, however, saw it for Moore with the same score, underscoring just how tight and competitive the matchup had been.
Return to the Cage
The fight marked Moore’s return to professional competition following his defeat to American standout Corey Anderson in a Bellator Light-Heavyweight title bout last year. That loss had been a significant moment in Moore’s career, but it also fueled his determination to make a strong comeback.
Moore, who resides in Belfast, made considerable sacrifices during his training camp in preparation for the high-stakes PFL showdown. To cut down on travel time and expenses, he chose to live at his gym in Dublin in the final weeks leading up to the fight—a decision he hoped would enhance his focus and readiness.
“I’ve been living in the gym for weeks,” Moore said ahead of the fight. “Every bit of my energy was poured into this. I wanted to show I could compete at this level and get back on track after last year.”
A Costly Slow Start
Facing a seasoned opponent in Antonio Carlos Junior, Moore knew he had a difficult task ahead. Carlos Junior, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and former PFL champion, had built a reputation for his dominant grappling and submission game—traits that proved decisive in the early stages of their encounter.
In the opening round, Carlos Junior successfully executed two takedowns and delivered a series of impactful ground-and-pound shots. His control on the mat limited Moore’s offensive output and allowed the Brazilian to dictate the pace. That control continued into the second round, where Carlos Junior once again asserted dominance in the grappling exchanges, further solidifying his lead on the judges’ scorecards.
Moore, known for his resilience and fighting spirit, refused to go quietly. In the third and final round, he came out with renewed urgency. A sharp right hand landed cleanly on Carlos Junior, followed by a late takedown of his own. Moore pushed hard in the final minutes, clearly aiming for a finish that could swing the fight in his favor. However, despite his late flurry, the judges ultimately favored Carlos Junior’s early-round control.
“I knew I had to go for it in that third round,” Moore said after the bout. “I thought I’d done enough at the end, but I respect the decision. It was a close one.”
Looking Ahead
With the win, Antonio Carlos Junior advances to the semi-finals of the PFL light-heavyweight tournament, where he will now face rising British talent Simeon Powell. The two will clash on June 27 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois—a venue that will also host multiple other semi-final bouts across various divisions.
As for Moore, the road ahead remains uncertain. At 32, he remains a highly skilled competitor with plenty to offer, and his performance against a former champion proved he still belongs among elite competition. Whether he returns to the PFL, Bellator, or explores other opportunities remains to be seen, but fans will no doubt be eager to see what the next chapter holds for the Irish fighter.
Simeon Powell Shines with Knockout Victory to Secure Semi-Final Spot
Joining Carlos Junior in the light-heavyweight semi-finals is Britain’s own Simeon Powell, who delivered a standout performance against Sweden’s Karl Albrektsson. After a relatively subdued first round, in which Albrektsson controlled much of the action by pressing Powell against the cage, the young Brit turned the tide in dramatic fashion in the second round.
Breaking free from a grappling exchange, Powell unleashed a series of savage elbows that dropped the Swedish fighter to the canvas. The referee quickly stepped in to stop the bout, awarding Powell a TKO victory and securing his place in the tournament’s final four.
Powell, just 26 years old, has been steadily rising through the ranks and is now on the cusp of a breakout moment. His matchup against Carlos Junior promises to be a thrilling contrast in styles—Powell’s explosive striking against Carlos Junior’s elite grappling prowess.
PFL’s Unique Knockout Tournament Structure
The Professional Fighters League continues to stand out in the MMA world thanks to its distinctive tournament format. Unlike traditional promotions that rely on one-off matchups or rankings, the PFL features a season-long format where fighters accumulate points in the regular season before entering a knockout bracket to crown a champion.
This year, the PFL made a slight adjustment, returning to a pure knockout format in the later stages, which adds even more excitement and unpredictability. Fighters have no margin for error—one loss and they’re out of title contention.
Winners of each division not only earn the prestigious PFL title but also walk away with a massive $500,000 (£395,000) in prize money.
British Fighters Dominating the Semi-Final Lineup
This year’s tournament has seen a strong showing from British fighters across several weight divisions:
- Fabian Edwards, another top British middleweight, booked his place in the semi-finals after stopping American Impa Kasanganay in the second round of their contest last month. Edwards, known for his crisp striking and sharp fight IQ, will face off against American Josh Silveira in what promises to be a competitive and high-stakes encounter on June 27.
- Alfie Davis, representing Britain in the lightweight division, will meet American Brent Primus in the semis. Davis earned his spot with a knockout victory over Clay Collard in April. Known for his dynamic movement and unorthodox style, Davis is considered a dark horse to win the lightweight crown.
- Jake Hadley, fighting in the bantamweight division, will take on Brazil’s Marcirley Alves in their semi-final bout scheduled for June 20 in Kansas. Hadley reached this stage by submitting Brazil’s Matheus Mattos in a thrilling third-round finish. His slick jiu-jitsu and aggressive approach have made him one to watch in the division.
This British presence across multiple divisions showcases the depth of talent emerging from the UK MMA scene. Each of these fighters brings a unique skill set and personality to the PFL stage, and fans back home are rallying behind them as they chase championship glory.
What’s Next in the Tournament?
As the semi-finals approach, anticipation is building for what’s expected to be one of the most entertaining final stretches in recent PFL history. The card on June 27 in Chicago will serve as a critical event, determining who gets a shot at the championship belt and the lucrative $500,000 prize.
For Antonio Carlos Junior, the road back to the top is in motion following a disciplined win over Moore. For Simeon Powell, it’s a chance to make a statement and cement his place among MMA’s rising stars.
Although Karl Moore’s journey in this year’s tournament has ended, his performance demonstrated grit, skill, and heart. In the sport of mixed martial arts, setbacks often pave the way for future success—and Moore’s resolve suggests that his story is far from over.
