Antonio Carlos Jr. Signs with PFL, Plans to Compete at Light Heavyweight

Antonio Carlos Jr. is a late addition to the Professional Fighters League roster for the organization’s 2021 campaign.

ESPN was the first to report that Carlos Jr. had signed with PFL, where he will compete in the light heavyweight division. The 30-year-old Brazilian went 7-5 with one no contest while primarily competing at 185 pounds in the UFC.

Carlos Jr. won Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” at heavyweight, defeating Vitor Miranda at the show’s finale. After dropping a unanimous decision to Patrick Cummins in a light heavyweight bout at UFC Fight Night 58, Carlos Jr. dropped to middleweight for the rest of his promotional tenure. “Cara de Sapato” went on to earn notable victories against the likes of Tim Boetsch, Jack Marshman and Marvin Vettori.

Carlos Jr. was released in February shortly after a decision loss to Brad Tavares — his third consecutive defeat — at UFC 257.