2025 PFL World Tournament: Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Semifinalists Set
The opening round of the 2025 Professional Fighters League (PFL) World Tournament wrapped up on May 1 at Universal Studios Florida, with eight fighters—four in the Heavyweight and four in the Light Heavyweight divisions—securing their spots in the upcoming Semifinals.
Heavyweight Semifinals:
- Rodrigo Nascimento (Brazil, 12-3) vs. Oleg Popov (Russia, 20-2)
- Alexandr Romanov (Moldova, 19-3) vs. Valentin Moldavsky (Russia, 14-4)
Light Heavyweight Semifinals:
- Phil Davis (USA, 25-7, 1 NC) vs. Sullivan Cauley (USA, 7-1)
- Simeon Powell (UK, 11-1) vs. Antonio Carlos Jr. (Brazil, 17-6, 2 NC)
Event Highlights:
- Phil Davis made a triumphant return after nearly two years, delivering a dominant second-round knockout over Rob Wilkinson. The victory propels Davis into the Semifinals, where he'll face Sullivan Cauley, who secured a first-round TKO against Alex Polizzi.
- In the Heavyweight division, Valentin Moldavsky earned a unanimous decision over Sergey Bilostenniy in a bout characterized by relentless pacing and strategic grappling exchanges.
- Antonio Carlos Jr. edged out Karl Moore via split decision, utilizing his elite jiu-jitsu skills to control the bout and maintain his momentum with his eighth win in his last nine fights.
- Simeon Powell showcased his striking prowess with a second-round TKO over Karl Albrektsson, advancing to the Semifinals with a stunning finish.
The 2025 PFL World Tournament continues on Thursday, June 12, with the Welterweight and Featherweight Semifinals, broadcast live on ESPN+ and DAZN.
Check out PFL 4 results below.
Main Card
Phil Davis def. Rob Wilkinson via KO (punches) — Round 2, 0:51
Valentin Moldavsky def. Sergey Bilostenniy via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Antonio Carlos Junior def. Karl Moore via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Simeon Powell def. Karl Albrektsson via TKO (elbows) — Round 2, 2:05
Preliminary Card
Alexandr Romanov def. Tim Johnson via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1, 1:53
Oleg Popov def. Karl Williams via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Sullivan Cauley def. Alex Polizzi via TKO (elbows) — Round 1, 1:36
Rodrigo Nascimento def. Abraham Bably via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
