The first of three world title fights for the PFL Hollywood card on Thursday night showcased surging light heavyweight Sullivan Cauley (8-1) and former PFL tournament winner Antonio Carlos Jr. (19-6). In the semifinals, Cauley got past former Bellator champ and MMA veteran Phil Davis, While Carlos Jr. was able to pick up a win against Simeon Powell.
A decorated submission artist in Carlos Jr. against a dominant collegiate wrestler in Cauley. With a world title on the line over five rounds, this was a matchup fight fans were looking forward to.
In the first round, Cauley pressed forward looking to land a big right hand but ran into a punch from Carlos Jr. that floored him. Trying to regain composure Cauley got his feet back under him, retreating to the fence. Carlos Jr. came forward now looking to land a knee up the middle, as Cauley tried to recover. A winging overhand from Cauley missed as Antonio looked sharp with his jab and combos early. A good low leg kick landed by Carlos Jr. and he ate a right hand for it immediately. Cauley knocked Carlos Jr. down but the former champion returned fire from his back landing an upkick that put Cauley on all fours.
Both fighters scrambled to their feet in a highly entertaining opening round. A big head kick from Carlos Jr. connected with over a minute left in the round, as Cauley started to bleed. Both fighters stood in the center of the cage with thirty seconds remaining slinging punches back and forth. Cauley forced the fight to the fence near the end of the round but after one it was Carlos Jr. jumping out to an early lead.
Chants of “Lets go Sully” rang through the Hard Rock Casino as round two started. Cauley came forward looking to land big hooks on the inside, narrowly missing with a left against the cage. Carlos Jr. complained about an eye poke but was slow to call time out. Carlos Jr. ate multiple shots before the fight was momentarily halted due to an eye poke. As the fight continued Carlos Jr. landed a massive kick that sent Cauley backwards.
Antonio initiated the clinch and was able to take the fight down with over two minutes remaining. In back control, Carlos Jr. was looking for a rear naked choke submission as Cauley laid bloody on the canvas. Expertly snatching the neck of Cauley, Carlos Jr. was able to lock in the choke earning his second tournament final win! A massive victory in the career of “Shoeface” who turned back the hungry American prospect.
In his post fight interview, Carlos Jr. stated that it was an incredible feeling after overcoming injuries and personal problems to get back to championship gold. He paid respect to his opponent for an incredible fight showcased a side of his striking that we previously hadn’t seen. Congratulations to Antonio Carlos Jr. for winning the 2025 Light Heavyweight World Tournament.
Official Result: Antonio Carlos Jr. def. Sullivan Cauley by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 3:44
