PFL’s Antonio Carlos Jr. hopes ex-MMA fighters become judges to prevent scary decisions

Antonio Carlos Junior superior to the PFL mild heavyweight semifinals with a choice victory over Karl Moore in Could, however the truth that one choose scored in favor of his opponent raised his eyebrows.

Choose Marcel Varela gave Moore a 10-9 in rounds two and three for a 29-28 lead, whereas judges Jason Grenier and Troy Wincapaw disagreed along with his rating on the second spherical. “Shoeface” was comfortable to advance, however hopes for modifications within the sport to keep away from what he known as a mistaken resolution.

“I used to be sort of scared with the rating of one of many judges,” Junior stated. “After they stated cut up resolution I even laughed. I used to be like, ‘No method. Which combat did this choose watch?’ I used to be actually nervous about that.”

Junior felt he dominated the combat from begin to end, however actually “slowed down” within the third, resulting in what he thought of a good 29-28 name in his favor. Regardless of wanting again at his win as a “optimistic outcome” and general a superb efficiency after virtually a 12 months away from the sport, the Brazilian hopes North American athletic commissions work higher on coaching judges.

Varela solely labored in two fights that went the space in 2025, in line with record-keeping web site MMA Selections. Varela was extra energetic between 2021 and 2023 with scores submitted in 58 choices, however has judged solely 4 occasions previously 18 months.

“After all, you need to end fights, particularly in a match the place you’ll have a brief time frame in between fights, nevertheless it’s such a excessive degree,” Junior stated. “We’re speaking about high-level MMA, very skilled fighters, athletes which can be nice each technically and tactically, you realize? Typically it’s onerous [to finish], generally it’s an in depth combat. It’s vital to have good judges, judges which can be actually devoted to that, possibly even ex-fighters, as a result of generally it seems to be like there’s those who don’t know what they’re doing. I used to be sort of scared, I’ll be sincere with you.”

A PFL mild heavyweight match champion in 2021, Junior now faces Simeon Powell on Friday at PFL 7 in Chicago. The American High Workforce veteran ensures he’s prepared for quarter-hour of warfare, however anticipates a end.

“He’s extra of a striker, he has nice putting and lengthy attain, is aware of find out how to keep the space and transfer properly and use his legs,” Junior stated of Powell. “That makes him very harmful. [The plan is] make him stroll backwards. I’ve observed he tends to field extra and assault when he’s strolling ahead, so I received’t give him a lot house and permit him to develop within the combat. He’s not that skilled however has a superb file, so we have now to be sensible. I’m assured we’ll catch him with a submission.”

If victorious Friday, “Shoeface” advances to the $500,000 last in opposition to the winner of the PFL 7 co-main occasion bout between Phil Davis and Sullivan Cauley.

“He comes as the favourite, there’s no method round that,” Junior stated of Davis. “He was the Bellator champion, fought within the UFC. He’s 40 now, a bit older, however he’s nonetheless in nice form. He’s fought nice guys and was superior, and bought a knockout [in his last fight against Rob Wilkinson]. I believe that logic says Phil Davis will win, however that is MMA. You by no means know what’s going to occur, however I believe Phil Davis is coming from the opposite facet [of the bracket].”