PFL light heavyweight fighter Antonio Carlos Jr. recently advanced in the tournament via a decision win, but the scorecard from one judge during the bout caused him significant worry. The split decision felt alarming to “Shoeface,” who openly questioned whether that judge had even watched the same fight, indicating how concerned he was by the scoring discrepancy.
Carlos Jr. felt he largely controlled the fight, even though he acknowledged slowing down slightly in the third round. Despite securing the victory, the experience highlighted his belief that judging standards in the sport need improvement. He strongly advocates for incorporating former mixed martial artists into the judging pool, arguing that their firsthand experience and understanding of fighting dynamics would lead to more accurate and less contentious decisions.
Looking ahead in the PFL playoffs, Carlos Jr. is preparing to face Simeon Powell in the semifinals. He described Powell as a dangerous striker with good reach, but outlined a strategy focused on applying pressure and preventing Powell from fighting at his preferred distance. Carlos Jr. expressed confidence in his game plan, predicting a submission finish in their upcoming bout.
Discussing the potential opponents on the other side of the bracket, Carlos Jr. acknowledged Phil Davis as a likely favorite for the final, citing his extensive experience and past accomplishments as a champion. While recognizing Davis`s skill and recent performance, Carlos Jr. also noted the inherent unpredictability of MMA, where upsets are always possible, but he sees Davis as the frontrunner from the opposing semifinal.
