Split Scorecard or Flat-Out Robbery? The PFL Semifinal That Divided Fans
Shoeface won—but at what cost? Antonio Carlos Junior’s razor-thin split decision over Karl Moore in the PFL light heavyweight semifinals didn’t just earn him a finals berth. It ignited the MMA judging debate all over again. And this time, one scorecard was so indefensible, even the winner raised an eyebrow.
A 30-27 That Defied Reality
When Marcel Varela’s scorecard flashed—30-27 Junior—the crowd’s groans drowned out Bruce Buffer’s announcement. Moore had stifled Junior’s grappling, drilled him with elbows in the clinch, and arguably stole Round 2. Yet one judge saw a shutout? “I knew it was close,” Junior admitted post-fight, shifting uncomfortably when pressed on the scoring.
This wasn’t just a bad call. It was a system breakdown—the kind that makes fighters question why they bleed for a sport that can’t score itself.
Grappling Wars Need Grappler Judges
Here’s the ugly truth: athletic commissions keep putting boxing referees in MMA chairs. When Junior yanked Moore into his guard, some judges saw “control.” Anyone who’s rolled knows Moore was escaping subs while Junior hunted chokes. But if you don’t speak jiu-jitsu, dominance gets lost in translation.
“We need judges who’ve fought,” Junior told Rogan last year. After this circus? He’s not wrong.
Shoeface’s Redemption Tour Hits a Pothole
Junior’s comeback story was supposed to be clean—shake off the UFC release, bulldoze through PFL, claim the $1 million prize. Instead, this messy win stains his run.
Yes, he dragged Moore into deep water. Yes, his pressure forced Moore to fight tired. But controversy follows decisions, not finishes. And for a BJJ wizard like Junior, letting it go to the judges again feels risky.
Simeon Powell Awaits—With Bad Intentions
The finals loom, and unbeaten Brit Simeon Powell is licking his chops. Junior’s shaky takedown entries? Powell stuffs those for breakfast. His clinch game? Powell’s muay Thai knees turn the Thai plum into a crash zone.
If judges already botched Junior’s semifinal, imagine the chaos if Powell starches him early but Junior grinds out late rounds. The PFL’s judging credibility hangs by a thread.
Does PFL’s Future Ride on This $1 Million Fight?
Junior vs. Powell isn’t just about gold—it’s about trust. After Robbie Lawler’s robbery in 2022 and now this, PFL can’t afford another judging scandal. Especially not with DAZN cameras rolling and casuals tuning in.
Fix the system? Maybe. But for now, Junior’s walking proof that MMA’s biggest fight happens outside the cage—against the scorecards.