Antonio Carlos Júnior Questions Judging After Split Decision Win, Eyes PFL Tournament Glory

After edging out Karl Moore in May to reach the PFL 2025 light heavyweight semifinals, Antônio Carlos Júnior found himself more concerned with the scorecards than celebrating. The former tournament champion earned a split decision win — but not without controversy.

One judge, Marcel Varela, awarded Moore the final two rounds, prompting confusion from “Shoeface” and many fans. “When they said split decision, I laughed. I thought, ‘Which fight was he watching?’” Carlos Júnior told media. “I was genuinely worried.”

While happy with the victory, the Brazilian emphasized the need for change. “This is high-level MMA. You don’t always get a finish. Judges need to understand the sport — maybe even be former fighters,” he said. “Sometimes it feels like they’ve never been inside a cage.”

Now with momentum behind him, Carlos Júnior is set to face undefeated prospect Simeon Powell this Friday, July 12, at PFL 7 in Chicago. He expects a striking-heavy battle but is hunting for a finish. “He’s tall, moves well, has great range — but I won’t let him get comfortable. I’ll pressure him, make him react, and I’m confident we’ll catch him with a submission.”

Should he win, Carlos Júnior will meet the victor of the PFL 7 co-main event: former UFC and Bellator standout Phil Davis vs rising contender Sullivan Cauley. While Davis is favored, Carlos Júnior knows nothing is guaranteed in MMA.

“Phil’s a legend — former Bellator champ, UFC vet, great shape at 40 — but MMA is unpredictable. That said, logic says he’s coming through to the final,” he admitted.

From questionable scorecards to tournament pressure, Carlos Júnior is laser-focused. But his message to commissions is clear: train judges better, or let real fighters do the job. In a season full of upsets and spotlight finishes, the PFL 2025 playoffs are heating up — and Carlos Júnior is right in the middle of it.