PFL World Tournament 7 – Antonio Carlos Jr. vs Simeon Powell

In a pivotal light heavyweight semifinal at PFL World Tournament 7, Antonio Carlos Jr. faced off against the undefeated Simeon Powell. Carlos Jr., a seasoned Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist and former PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion, entered the bout with a wealth of experience. Powell, representing England, brought an unblemished record and a reputation for striking prowess to the cage.

Round 1: The fight commenced with both athletes engaging in a tactical striking exchange. Powell utilized his footwork and striking to maintain distance, while Carlos Jr. sought opportunities to close the gap and initiate grappling exchanges. Midway through the round, Carlos Jr. secured a clinch against the cage, showcasing his grappling strength. However, Powell’s defensive skills kept the fight standing for the majority of the round.

Round 2: Carlos Jr. adjusted his strategy, increasing the pressure and initiating more clinch exchanges. His experience in controlling opponents against the cage began to pay dividends, as he landed knees and short strikes. Powell attempted to counter with strikes of his own but struggled to find his rhythm against the relentless pressure of Carlos Jr.

Round 3: The final round saw Powell attempting to mount a comeback, increasing his output in an effort to sway the judges. Carlos Jr., however, maintained his composure, continuing to implement his grappling game effectively. In the closing moments, Carlos Jr. secured a dominant position, landing ground and pound that showcased his control and experience.

Outcome: After three rounds of competitive action, the judges rendered a split decision in favor of Antonio Carlos Jr., granting him the victory and a spot in the light heavyweight finals. This victory not only advanced Carlos Jr. in the tournament but also reaffirmed his reputation as a seasoned and strategic fighter in the light heavyweight division.