PFL World Tournament 7 – Phil Davis vs Sullivan Cauley

In a pivotal light heavyweight semifinal at PFL World Tournament 7, Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis faced off against the undefeated Sullivan “Sully” Cauley. Davis, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience, entered the bout with a reputation for his wrestling prowess and strategic fight IQ. Cauley, on the other hand, brought an unblemished record and a striking-heavy approach, eager to make a statement on the big stage.

Round 1: The fight commenced with both fighters engaging in a tactical striking exchange. Davis showcased his elusive movement, making it challenging for Cauley to land clean shots. Midway through the round, Davis closed the distance and executed a bodylock takedown, bringing Cauley to the canvas. Although Cauley quickly returned to his feet, Davis maintained pressure, demonstrating his grappling superiority.

Round 2: Cauley adjusted his strategy, increasing his output and targeting Davis’s body with strikes. Despite a significant knee from Davis that opened a cut on Cauley’s face, the young contender remained resilient. In the closing moments of the round, Cauley landed a headkick that rocked Davis, followed by a knockdown, shifting the momentum in his favor.

Round 3: Davis attempted to regain control but found Cauley’s striking and defensive grappling challenging. Cauley showcased his ability to avoid takedowns and continued to score with effective strikes, keeping Davis at bay. Despite Davis’s efforts, Cauley’s performance in the third round solidified his advantage.

Outcome: After three rounds of competitive action, the judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Sullivan Cauley, with two judges scoring the bout 30–27 and one scoring it 29–28. This victory propelled Cauley into the light heavyweight final, where he is set to face Antonio Carlos Jr.

This bout highlighted the clash between Davis’s seasoned grappling and Cauley’s dynamic striking. Cauley’s ability to adapt and capitalize on key moments was instrumental in securing his place in the final. The upcoming championship bout promises to be an exciting matchup, with Cauley’s aggressive style set to challenge Carlos Jr.’s grappling expertise.