Antonio Carlos Junior advanced to the PFL light heavyweight semifinals with a split decision win over Karl Moore, expressing concerns over inconsistent judging and emphasizing the need for better-trained judges, while preparing to face Simeon Powell next.
Antonio Carlos Junior moved to the PFL light heavyweight semifinals with a decision win over Karl Moore in May. Yet, one judge’s scorecard favoring Moore caught him off guard.
Judge Marcel Varela scored rounds two and three for Moore, giving him a 29-28 edge. Meanwhile, judges Jason Grenier and Troy Wincapaw disagreed on the second round. “Shoeface” was glad to advance but hopes for reforms to prevent what he called a wrong decision.
“I was kind of scared with the score of one of the judges,” Junior confessed. “When they announced a split decision, I even laughed. I thought, ‘No way. Which fight did this judge watch?’ It really worried me.”
Junior believed he controlled the fight but admitted he “slowed down” in the third round. He considered the 29-28 call fair, despite feeling he dominated. After nearly a year out of action, he views the win positively but urges better judge training.
Varela judged only two full-distance fights in 2025, according to MMA Decisions. Between 2021 and 2023, he was more active, judging 58 decisions, but only four in the last 18 months.
“Of course, you want to finish fights, especially in a tournament with short turnarounds,” Junior explained. “We’re talking high-level MMA, experienced fighters. Sometimes it’s hard to finish, and close fights need good judges. Maybe even ex-fighters, because it seems some have no clue what they’re doing. I was kind of scared, to be honest.”
Junior, a 2021 PFL light heavyweight tournament champion, faces Simeon Powell next at PFL 7 in Chicago. The American Top Team veteran is ready for a 15-minute battle but hopes for a finish.
“He’s more of a striker, with great striking and long reach,” Junior said of Powell. “He’s dangerous. The plan is to make him walk backward. I’ve seen he boxes more when moving forward, so I won’t give him space. He’s not that experienced but has a good record. I’m confident we’ll catch him with a submission.”
If Junior wins on Friday, he advances to the $500,000 final against the winner of Phil Davis vs. Sullivan Cauley.
“Phil Davis comes as the favorite,” Junior remarked. “He was the Bellator champion, fought in the UFC. He’s 40 now, a bit older, but still in great shape. He’s beaten great opponents and got a knockout in his last fight. Logic says Phil Davis will win, but this is MMA. You never know what’s going to happen.”