Antonio Carlos Jr.`s grappling prowess is well-established, and he consistently views jiu-jitsu as his most valuable tool in mixed martial arts. This fundamental approach will remain key when he steps into the cage against Karl Moore in the first round of the 2025 PFL light heavyweight grand prix in Orlando on Thursday night.
Known as “Shoeface,” Carlos Jr. boasts 12 submission victories out of his 16 career wins, with five coming during his time in the UFC. He`s looking to make Moore tap out, which would be only the second submission loss in Moore`s 16 professional contests.
Describing his opponent, Junior stated, “He’s very strategic and strong. He tries to use that to his advantage, pressing opponents against the cage.” While not viewing Moore as having “great abilities,” Junior highlighted his consistency. “He’s very consistent in everything he does, you know? Guys like that are very dangerous,” he explained, underscoring the difficulty of the bracket: “There are no easy fights in the tournament.”
Despite his grappling pedigree, the American Top Team fighter indicated he won`t rush to the ground and intends to utilize his stand-up skills.
Junior elaborated on his approach: “I believe I have to move around and explore his weaknesses, go to the ground.” He reaffirmed jiu-jitsu as his “biggest weapon” and core strategy for seeking submissions. However, he emphasized the need for versatility: “That will always be my strategy, but I can’t be a one-dimensional guy that will force that at any costs.” He plans to “move around, trade on the feet,” asserting, “I even think my striking is better than his. I can maintain the distance better.” Still, he cautioned, “but he’s dangerous. We’re talking about light heavyweights and you know we have to be alert at all times in this division.”
Notably, the only fighter to ever submit Moore in MMA was UFC veteran Paul Craig, who secured a guillotine choke against him in 2015 at BAMMA 22. Following that loss, the Irish light heavyweight bounced back, capturing the Cage Warriors belt two years later. He then signed with Bellator in 2019, where he amassed four consecutive victories before challenging Corey Anderson for their championship.
Despite Moore`s past successes, “Shoeface” expressed confidence that his own grappling is on a different level.
“He’s never fought anyone with similar jiu-jitsu,” Junior stated. “Only Paul Craig, really, and that was a long time ago. And when he fought a jiu-jitsu guy, he was submitted.” He also pointed to Moore`s previous bout with Alex Polizzi, Carlos Jr.`s last opponent, describing it as a “close fight… and it could have gone either way.” While acknowledging Moore had a “good fight with Corey Anderson,” possesses “good cardio,” and “moves forward,” Junior maintained, “but I don’t see great skills there. He does things well-done.” His plan: “I have to be alert and not let him stall.”
Should he secure a victory on Thursday, Junior will advance to face the winner of the quarterfinal bout between Karl Albrektsson and Simeon Powell. The second finalist vying for the $500,000 grand prize will emerge from the other side of the bracket, featuring Phil Davis, Rob Wilkinson, Marcelo Nunes, and Sullivan Cauley.
Looking ahead, Junior stated, “I can’t wait to prove myself in that cage and move one step closer to my goal, to end this year with another belt.” He commented on the tournament structure, finding back-to-back fights advantageous as he doesn`t undergo significant weight cuts, unlike heavier athletes who “end up suffering more having to cut weight every two months.” This schedule, he feels, “makes things a little bit easier for me, even though I’m one of the smallest guys here.”
