PFL 4 Fight Night at the OTE Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Friday, June 17, 2022. (Matt Ferris / PFL)
Antonio Carlos Junior defeats Bruce Souto via unanimous decision at PFL 4
Back in action tonight is the Professional Fighters League, which is hosting its second round of the regular season in Atlanta, Georgia’s Overtime Elite Arena.
As tonight’s bouts feature the lightweight and light-heavyweight divisions, we will see Clay Collard take on Alex Martinez in the main event of the evening.
The co-main event of the already fantastic night of fights features 2021 PFL light-heavyweight champion, Antonio Carlos Junior, and fellow Brazilian, Bruce Souto.
Carlos Junior (14-5-0, 2 NC) made his way to the PFL last year and went on to win the 2021 season. Prior to that, he spent seven years in the UFC, collecting wins over the likes of Eddie Gordon, Eric Spicely, and Tim Boetsch.
As he looks to retain his title and win the 2022 season of the PFL, his first bout this year came against Delan Monte, who he submitted in less than five minutes.
Souto (15-4-0) made his way to the PFL off of the Challenger Series, where he landed a first-round knockout over Travis Davis. This season, his first bout did not go quite as planned as he came up short against Rob Wilkinson, losing the bout via second-round TKO.
Here is how the matchup between Carlos Junior and Souto went down:
Round 1:
Leg kick from Souto to open the round. There’s a bit of a feeling-out process in the first minute of the bout. Souto keeps on with the kicks landing a few solid calf kicks. Carlos Junior takes a single leg and gets the takedown. They are up against the cage, as Carlos junior remains in control. Souto is able to stand up, and the two clinch. Carlos Junior remains in control as he pressed Souto against the cage. Carlos Junior gets another single-leg, but Souto gets right back up to his feet. The two break and the round comes to a close.
Round 2:
The two touch gloves and Souto lands a few solid kicks to the lead leg of Carlos Junior. Carlos Junior goes in for the clinch against the cage but Souto is able to keep himself out of danger. Carlos Junior scores a takedown and gets the back of Souto. Souto gets back to his feet, but Carlos Junior remains in control of the grappling. With 30 seconds left in the second, Carlos Junior remains in control of the clinch. He releases and opens up with a few hooks.
Round 3:
One more round to go as the two embrace with a hug at the start of the third. Souto keeps on with the leg kicks and it is starting to hurt Carlos Junior. The two clinch and Carlos Junior gains control. Souto and Carlos Junior rotate control as they push one another into the cage. The action is slowing here with 90 seconds left in the bout. The two are separated and square off in the middle of the smart cage. Carlos Junior shoots and takes down Souto. He starts hammering down fists on top as the third round comes to a close.
Official Result: Antonio Carlos Junior def. Bruce Souto via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Check out full PFL 4 results here.
