Preview: PFL 2025 World Tournament 10 | Finals

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PFL Light Heavyweight Final

Sullivan Cauley (8-1, 2-0 PFL) vs. Antonio Carlos Jr. (19-6, 8-1 PFL)

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament Finals LIVE Thursday, Aug. 21 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+

Cauley exploded onto the scene this season with a devastating technical knockout of Alex Polizzi and a razor-thin win over former Bellator champion Phil Davis. In the Davis fight, Cauley had his troubles with the former NCAA wrestling national champion, but he wasn’t entirely in over his head. He stayed composed when Davis came on strong and wrestled conservatively. Cauley knew that his best shot of winning would come on the feet, and he made the most of his striking opportunities. Of all the light heavyweight contenders in the tournament, the Mesa, Arizona, native has the best jab of them all. It’s fast, blunt and carries thudding power. Cauley sets up everything with it, and it serves him well. If he establishes his best weapon in the first round, he could very well put Carlos Jr. away like he has done most of his competition.

Cauley is considered the better striker in this matchup, but it would be foolish to underestimate “Shoe Face” in a striking exchange. Carlos Jr. has worked tirelessly to improve his standup, and it was evident in his win over Simeon Powell. The Brazilian was light on his feet and quick with his combinations, always staying defensively sound and on the move. After 26 professional fights, the former jiu-jitsu world champion still has never recorded a knockout, but his striking is effective enough to earn his opponent’s respect.

To win this fight, Cauley needs to fight to his strengths. He’s no slouch on the ground, but he has no business trying to grapple with Carlos Jr. for five rounds, primarily when the former PFL champion isn’t known for his wrestling. Cauley can keep this fight on his terms with his jab and a no-nonsense right hand. It may be boring, but Carlos Jr. is not a guy that you want to complicate things against. Less talented fighters than Cauley have kept the fight close by striking and prioritizing positioning on the mat. However, if you try to grapple with Carlos Jr., you are only inviting the possibility of trouble. If Carlos Jr. sees an opening, he’s going to take it, and he has the tools to end the fight at any moment on the floor. Cauley’s inexperience could ultimately be his downfall late.

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Edwards vs. Rosta
Cauley vs. Carlos Jr.
Pergande vs. Goss
Meredith vs. Dayron
The Prelims