The PFL playoffs are in full effect. Showcased on ESPN, the Professional Fighters League has never had more hype surrounding such a multitude of their fighters, new and veteran alike.
Antonio Carlos JR. is set to battle Emiliano Sordi this upcoming Thursday at PFL 2021 #9 (PFL Playoffs 3). Carlos Jr. is coming off of a no contest due to a groin strike, but a submission win in his first fight of the season clinched him a spot in the semifinals.
“I always loved the PFL season,” Carlos Jr. stated in a recent interview with Cageside Press. “It is a fresh start each year. I’m feeling great after the win against Tom Lawler, last fight I think I was on way to a victory it is disappointing. I’m looking forward to fighting again.”
Carlos Jr. had joined the UFC at only 3-0, following season 3 of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil. He went 7-5 with the promotion before parting ways and joining the PFL for the 2021 season, after the 2020 season was cut short. Carlos Jr. believes there are glaring differences between UFC and PFL.
“Before the three losses, I was on a five fight winning streak,” Carlos Jr. began. “Had a lot of injuries, they [UFC] didn’t help me at all. They didn’t give me any leeway or ability to move up in weight to perform to my ability. I learned a lot there, lot of top fighters. I won a lot, I wouldn’t change it. I wasn’t happy, the UFC changed a lot after it was sold, all about trash talking now. PFL you just win and move on to the next step to win the belt.”
In an already extensive career, adding not only a PFL belt, but a million dollar check to the resume would mean the world for Carlos Jr. From the UFC parting, the injuries and then COVID-19 stopping the 2020 season, this belt represents a lot more than gold.
“Having this fresh start with PFL means a lot,” Carlos Jr. told cageside press. “Winning this belt would mean everything, it would make everything that much better. I love competing for PFL and to be at the top was always the goal. I feel compensated here, and adding a million dollars with a belt would be special.”
Carlos Jr. did speak about his upcoming opponent, and what he is preparing for come PFL 9 this week.
“He is tough, very tough,” Carlos Jr. “He’s a champion, it won’t be an easy fight. In his last two fights I saw a lot of mistakes, he can’t do that against me.”
PFL Playoffs 3 takes place this Friday, August 27 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL. For more from Antonio Carlos Jr. you can check out his media day appearance below, separate from this interview.
