Antônio Carlos Júnior

On 26 February 2014, it was revealed that Carlos Júnior was selected to be a participant on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3.{{Cite web |url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/lutas/tuf-brasil/noticia/2014/02/conheca-os-32-participantes-da-terceira-temporada-do-tuf-brasil.html |title=Conheça os 32 participantes da terceira temporada do TUF Brasil |first=Por GloboEsporte comSão |last=Paulo |website=globoesporte.com|date=26 February 2014 }} Cara de Sapato defeated Guilherme Viana via TKO (punches) to move into the Ultimate Fighter house, and become an official cast member.{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1986978-tuf-brazil-3-episode-1-results-and-recap-wanderlei-sonnen-evaluate-talent |title=TUF Brazil 3 Episode 1 Results and Recap: Wanderlei, Sonnen Evaluate Talent |first=Nathan |last=McCarter |website=Bleacher Report}}

Carlos Júnior was selected as the first pick (second overall) of coach Wanderlei Silva to be a part of Team Wanderlei. In his second Heavyweight fight of the season, Cara de Sapato was selected to fight Edgard Castaldelli Filho and won via knockout (punch) with only twelve seconds of fight in the first round.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/TUF-Brazil-3-Recap-Episode-4-65963 |title='TUF: Brazil 3' Recap: Episode 4 |website=Sherdog}} He was then scheduled to face Marcos Rogério de Lima for a spot in the final against Vitor Miranda He defeated Lima by submission (rear-naked choke).{{Cite web |url=https://fightgamemedia.com/2014/05/ultimate-fighter-brazil-3-episode-11-recap/ |title=The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Episode 11 Recap |date=22 May 2014}}

Carlos Júnior made his promotional debut on 31 May 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale against Vitor Miranda{{Cite web |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2014/5/29/5762370/tuf-brazil-3-finale-fight-card-vitor-miranda-vs-antonio-carlos-jr |title=Preview! TUF: 'Brazil' 3 Contracts Are On The Line |first=Michael |last=Drahota |date=29 May 2014 |website=MMAmania.com}} to determine the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Heavyweight Tournament. He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2014/06/tuf-brazil-3-finale-results-photos-antonio-carlos-jr-dominates-vitor-miranda |title=TUF Brazil 3 Finale results, photos: Antonio Carlos Jr. dominates Vitor Miranda |date=1 June 2014}}

Carlos Júnior made his light heavyweight debut against Patrick Cummins on 20 December 2014, at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Dollaway.{{Cite web |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/10/1/6880359/patrick-cummins-meets-tuf-brazil-3-winner-antonio-carlos-junior-at |title=Pat Cummins meets TUF: Brazil 3 winner at UFN 58 |first=Guilherme |last=Cruz |date=1 October 2014 |website=MMA Fighting}} He lost the one-sided fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/12/ufc-fight-night-58-results-patrick-cummins-dominates-antonio-carlos-junior |title=UFC Fight Night 58 results: Patrick Cummins dominates Antonio Carlos Junior |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco |date=2014-12-20 |access-date=2014-12-20}} After the defeat, he decided to move to the middleweight division for his next fight.

Carlos Júnior faced Eddie Gordon in a middleweight bout on 27 June 2015, at UFC Fight Night 70{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/5/15/8611785/eddie-gordon-antonio-carlos-junior-set-to-fight-at-tuf-brazil-4-finale |title=Eddie Gordon, Antonio Carlos Junior set to fight at TUF: Brazil 4 Finale |publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Guilherme Cruz |date=2015-05-15 |access-date=2015-05-15}} He won the fight via submission in the third round.{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-antonio-carlos-junior-submits-eddie-gordon-in-battle-of-ultimate-fighter-winners-062715 |title=Antonio Carlos Junior submits Eddie Gordon in battle of 'Ultimate Fighter' winners |work=foxsports.com |author=Damon Martin |date=2015-06-27 |access-date=2015-06-27}}

Carlos Júnior faced Kevin Casey on 10 December 2015, at UFC Fight Night 80.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/09/good-vs-akhmedov-casey-vs-carlos-junior-set-for-ufc-fight-night-80-in-las-vegas |title=Good vs. Akhmedov, Casey vs. Carlos Junior set for UFC Fight Night 80 in Las Vegas |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |date=2015-09-11 |access-date=2015-09-11}} The bout was deemed a No Contest just 11 seconds into the first round when Carlos Júnior accidentally poked Casey in both eyes and Casey was unable to continue.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/ufc-fight-night-80-results-kevin-casey-vs-antonio-carlos-junior-ends-in-quick-no-contest |title=UFC Fight Night 80 results: Kevin Casey vs. Antonio Carlos Junior ends in quick no-contest |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Ben Fowlkes |date=2015-12-10 |access-date=2015-12-10}}

Carlos Júnior next faced Dan Kelly on 20 March 2016, at UFC Fight Night 85.{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/ufc-brisbane-gets-four-more-fights-20160119-gm9aew.html |title=UFC Brisbane gets four more fights |publisher=smh.com.au |author=Liam Ducey |date=19 January 2016 |access-date=19 January 2016}} He lost the bout via TKO in the third round.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/03/ufc-fight-night-85-results-daniel-kelly-mounts-comeback-upsets-antonio-carlos-junior-1 |title=UFC Fight Night 85 results: Daniel Kelly mounts comeback, upsets Antonio Carlos Junior |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco |date=2016-03-19 |access-date=2016-03-19}}

Carlos Júnior returned to face Leonardo Augusto Guimarães on 17 September 2016, at UFC Fight Night 94.{{Cite web |url=http://sportv.globo.com/site/combate/noticia/2016/07/cara-de-sapato-enfrenta-leonardo-leleco-em-card-do-ufc-no-texas.html |title=Shoe Face faces Leonardo Leleco card in the UFC in Texas (Brazilian Portuguese) |author=Marcelo Barone e Raphael Marinho |publisher=sportv.globo.com |date=2016-07-19 |access-date=2016-07-19}} He won the fight via submission in the third round.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/09/ufc-fight-night-94-results-antonio-carlos-junior-dominates-leonardo-augusto-leleco-on-ground-for-third-round-tap |title=UFC Fight Night 94 results: Antonio Carlos Junior dominates Leonardo Augusto Leleco on ground for third-round tap |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco |date=2016-09-17 |access-date=2016-09-17}}

Carlos Júnior faced Marvin Vettori on 30 December 2016, at UFC 207.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/10/antonio-carlos-junior-vs-marvin-vettori-added-to-ufc-207-lineup-in-las-vegas |title=Antonio Carlos Junior vs. Marvin Vettori added to UFC 207 lineup in Las Vegas |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |date=2016-10-21 |access-date=2016-10-21}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/12/ufc-207-results-antonio-carlos-junior-edges-marvin-vettori-by-unanimous-decision-in-foul-filled-fight |title=UFC 207 results: Antonio Carlos Junior edges Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision in foul-filled fight |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Ben Fowlkes |date=2016-12-30 |access-date=2016-12-30}}

Carlos Júnior faced Eric Spicely on 3 June 2017, at UFC 212.{{cite news |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/three-fights-added-to-ufc-212-in-rio-de-janeiro |title=Three fights added to UFC 212 in Rio de Janeiro |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |access-date=2017-03-09 |date=2017-03-09}} He won the fight by submission due to a rear-naked choke in the second round.{{cite news |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/06/ufc-212-results-antonio-carlos-junior-taps-out-eric-spicely-in-battle-of-grapplers |title=UFC 212 results: Antonio Carlos Junior taps out Eric Spicely in battle of grapplers |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco |access-date=2017-06-03 |date=2017-06-03}}

Carlos Júnior faced Jack Marshman on 28 October 2017, at UFC Fight Night 119.{{Cite web |url=https://mma-today.com/jack-marshman-versus-shoeface-set-sao-paulo |title=Jack Marshman versus Shoeface set for Sao Paulo |author=Josh Mantle |website=mma-today.com |date=2017-08-17 |access-date=2017-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818005634/https://mma-today.com/jack-marshman-versus-shoeface-set-sao-paulo |archive-date=2017-08-18 |url-status=dead}} Carlos won the fight by submission due to a rear-naked choke in round one.{{Cite news |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/ufc-fight-night-119-antonio-carlos-junior-chokes-out-jack-marshman-sao-paulo |title=UFC Fight Night 119 results: Antonio Carlos Junior smothers, then chokes out Jack Marshman |date=2017-10-29 |work=MMAjunkie |access-date=2017-10-29 |language=en-US}}

Carlos Júnior faced Tim Boetsch on 14 April 2018, at UFC on Fox 29.{{Cite news |url=https://sportv.globo.com/site/combate/noticia/antonio-cara-de-sapato-enfrenta-tim-boetsch-no-ufc-glendale-em-14-de-abril.ghtml |title=Antônio Cara de Sapato enfrenta Tim Boetsch no UFC Glendale, em 14 de abril |work=Sportv |access-date=2018-02-02 |language=pt-BR}} He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round one.{{Cite news |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/04/antonio-carlos-junior-plans-to-use-jiu-jitsu-against-tim-boetsch-and-can-you-blame-him |title=Antonio Carlos Junior plans to use jiu-jitsu against Tim Boetsch, and can you blame him? |date=2018-04-14 |work=MMAjunkie |access-date=2018-04-15 |language=en-US}}

Carlos Júnior was expected to face Derek Brunson on 4 August 2018, at UFC 227.{{Cite news |url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Carlos-Junior-faces-Brunson-in-LA-this-August |title=Carlos Junior faces Brunson in LA this August |work=UFC |access-date=2018-05-03 |language=en}} However, Brunson pulled out of the fight in early July citing an eye injury. In turn, Carlos Júnior was removed from the card entirely and is expected to be rescheduled for a future event.{{cite news |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Derek-Brunson-Out-of-UFC-227-Bout-vs-Antonio-Carlos-Jr-Due-to-Eye-Injury-138953 |title=Derek Brunson out of UFC 227 bout vs. Antonio Carlos Jr. due to eye injury |publisher=sherdog.com |author=Tristen Critchfield |date=2018-07-05 |access-date=2018-07-05}} Subsequently, Carlos Júnior was quickly rescheduled was expected to face Elias Theodorou on 22 September 2018, at UFC Fight Night 137.{{cite news |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/7/27/17624066/report-antonio-carlos-junior-meets-elias-theodorou-at-ufc-fight-night-137-in-brazil-mma-sao-paulo |title=Antonio Carlos Junior meets Elias Theodorou at UFC Fight Night 137 in Brazil |website=mmamania.com |author=Dan Hiergesell |date=2018-07-27 |access-date=2018-08-01}} However, Júnior pulled out on 28 August due to injury.{{cite web |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/8/28/17793374/antonio-carlos-junior-out-of-ufc-sao-paulo-fight-against-elias-theodorou |title=Antonio Carlos Junior out of UFC Sao Paulo fight against Elias Theodorou |publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Marc Raimondi |date=2018-08-27 |access-date=2018-08-28}} The pairing was expected to be left intact and was rescheduled for 8 December 2018, at UFC 231.{{cite web |url=http://mmabrasil.com.br/cara-de-sapato-se-machuca-e-luta-com-elias-theodorou-e-adiada-para-o-ufc-231 |title=Cara de Sapato gets hurt and fights with Elias Theodorou is delayed for UFC 231 |publisher=mmabrasil.com.br |author=Gabriel Camargo |date=2018-08-28 |access-date=2018-08-29 |language=pt |archive-date=29 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829212013/http://mmabrasil.com.br/cara-de-sapato-se-machuca-e-luta-com-elias-theodorou-e-adiada-para-o-ufc-231 |url-status=dead }}

On 13 September 2018, it was reported that Carlos Júnior withdrew from his bout with Theodorou yet again, citing a surgery is required on the injury that caused the cancellation of his first scheduled bout with Theodorou.{{Cite news |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/9/14/17859124/antonio-carlos-junior-says-hes-out-of-ufc-231-bout-with-elias-theodorou |title=Antonio Carlos Junior says he's out of UFC 231 bout with Elias Theodorou |work=MMA Fighting |access-date=2018-09-14}}

Carlos Júnior faced Ian Heinisch at UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Lee on 18 May 2019.{{Cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/03/ian-heinisch-vs-antonio-carlos-junior-ufc-on-espn-plus-9-rochester-new-york |title=Ian Heinisch vs. Antonio Carlos Junior added to UFC Rochester lineup |date=2019-03-26 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en |access-date=2019-04-17}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/05/18/ufc-rochester-results-ian-heinisch/ |title=UFC Rochester Results: Ian Heinisch Bounces Back from Tough First Round |last=Doherty |first=Dan |date=2019-05-18 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |access-date=2019-05-19}}

Carlos Júnior faced Uriah Hall on 14 September 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 16.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Report-Uriah-HallAntonio-Carlos-Jr-Slated-for-UFC-Vancouver-156615 |title=Report: Uriah Hall-Antonio Carlos Jr. Slated for UFC Vancouver |last=Sherdog.com |website=Sherdog |access-date=2019-06-14}} He lost the fight via split decision.{{cite web |title=UFC Vancouver results: Uriah Hall bloodies Antonio Carlos Junior en route to split decision victory |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/9/14/20866354/ufc-vancouver-results-uriah-hall-bloodies-antonio-carlos-junior-en-route-to-split-decision-victory |first=Damon |last=Martin |publisher=MMA Fighting.com |date=14 September 2019 |access-date=14 September 2019}}

Carlos Júnior was scheduled to face Brad Tavares on 14 March 2020, at UFC Fight Night 170.{{Cite web |url=https://mmadna.nl/hawaiiaan-brad-tavares-treft-antonio-carlos-junior-tijdens-ufc-brasilia/ |title=Hawaiian Brad Tavares meets Antonio Carlos Junior during UFC Brasilia |author=Redactie |date=2 December 2019 |access-date=2019-12-03}} {{in lang|nl}} However, Tavares was forced to pull out of the fight due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury,{{Cite web |url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/brad-tavares-sofre-lesao-e-esta-fora-da-luta-contra-cara-de-sapato-no-ufc-brasilia.ghtml |title=Brad Tavares injured and out of fight against Cara de Sapato at UFC Brasília |website=Globoesporte |author=Marcelo Barone and Raphael Marinho |date=30 December 2019 |access-date=2019-12-31}}{{in lang|pt}} and he was replaced by Makhmud Muradov.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Makhmud-Muradov-Steps-in-Against-Antonio-Carlos-Jr-at-UFC-Brasilia-168293 |title=Makhmud Muradov steps in against Antonio Carlos Jr. at UFC Brasilia |website=Sherdog |author=Jay Pettry |access-date=2020-01-04}} In turn, Carlos Júnior suffered from an unspecified injury and the bout was cancelled from the event.{{Cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/01/antonio-carlos-junior-injured-makhmud-muradov-fight-scratched-from-ufc-on-espn-28 |title=Antonio Carlos Junior injured, Makhmud Muradov fight scratched from UFC on ESPN+ 28 |date=2020-01-13 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en |access-date=2020-01-14}} The bout with Brad Tavares was rescheduled for 24 January 2021, at UFC 257.{{Cite web |last=DNA |first=MMA |date=2020-10-31 |title=UFC onderneemt tweede poging voor Tavares vs. "Shoeface", ditmaal op 23 januari aanstaande |url=https://mmadna.nl/ufc-onderneemt-tweede-poging-voor-tavares-vs-shoeface-ditmaal-op-23-januari-aanstaande/ |access-date=2020-11-03 |website=MMA DNA |language=en-US}} Carlos Júnior lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Fortune |first=Ryan |date=2021-01-23 |title=UFC 257 Results: Brad Tavares Defends Takedowns, Outstrikes Antonio Carlos Junior to a Unanimous Decision Victory |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/01/23/ufc-257-results-brad-tavares-defends-takedowns-outstrikes-antonio-carlos-junior-to-a-unanimous-decision-victory/ |access-date=2021-01-24 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

On 4 February 2021, it was announced that Carlos Júnior was released from his UFC contract.{{cite web |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/2/4/22266645/tuf-brazil-winner-antonio-carlos-junior-11-no-longer-under-contract-ufc |title=TUF Brazil winner Antonio Carlos Junior, 11 others no longer under contract with UFC |work=MMAFighting.com |author=Guillherme Cruz, Damon Martin |date=2021-02-04 |access-date=2021-02-04}}

On 6 March 2021, it was announced by Carlos Júnior's management that he had signed to the Professional Fighters League and would be competing in the 2021 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31016737/pfl-signs-ufc-veteran-antonio-carlos-junior-2021-season%3fplatform=amp |title=PFL signs UFC veteran Antonio Carlos Junior for 2021 season |work=ESPN |author=Marc Raimondi |date=6 March 2021 |access-date=6 March 2021}} He made his PFL debut against Tom Lawlor on 29 April 2021, at PFL 2.{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |title=Antonio Carlos Junior signs with PFL for Season 3, meets fellow UFC vet Tom Lawlor |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/3/7/22317190/antonio-carlos-junior-signs-with-pfl-for-season-3-meets-fellow-ufc-vet-tom-lawlor |website=MMA Fighting |access-date=8 March 2021 |language=en |date=7 March 2021}} He won the bout via guillotine choke in the first round.{{Cite web |last=Marrocco |first=Steven |date=2021-04-29 |title=PFL 2 results: Rory MacDonald tricks Curtis Millender, gets first-round tapout |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/4/29/22411199/pfl-2-results-rory-macdonald-tricks-curtis-millender-gets-first-round-tapout |access-date=2021-04-30 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

Carlos Júnior faced Vinny Magalhães at PFL 5 on 17 June 2021.{{Cite web |last=Newswire |first=MMA Fighting |date=2021-05-19 |title=Rory MacDonald vs. Gleison Tibau headlines PFL 5 main card with welterweights and light heavyweights |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/5/19/22444075/rory-macdonald-vs-gleison-tibau-headlines-pfl-5-main-card-with-welterweights-and-light-heavyweights |access-date=2021-05-20 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} Halfway through round one, Júnior hit Magalhães with an accidental knee to the groin, rendering him unable to continue. This led to the bout being declared a no contest.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-17 |title=PFL 5: Rory MacDonald, Ray Cooper III, Emiliano Sordi secure playoff spots |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31654426/pfl-5-live-updates-results-rory-macdonald-ray-cooper-iii-emiliano-sordi-chase-playoff-spots |access-date=2021-06-18 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Carlos Júnior faced Emiliano Sordi in the Semifinals off the Light Heavyweight tournament on 27 August 2021, at PFL 9.{{Cite web |last=Newswire |first=MMA Fighting |date=2021-07-20 |title=PFL playoff cards announced with first event kicking off Aug. 13 with Rory MacDonald vs. Ray Cooper in main event |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/20/22585279/pfl-playoff-cards-announced-first-event-aug-13-with-rory-macdonald-vs-ray-cooper-in-main-event |access-date=2021-07-20 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He won the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2021-08-27 |title=PFL Playoffs 3 Results: Ferreira Falls to Injury, Antonio Carlos Jr. Will Face Marthin Hamlet in October |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/08/27/pfl-playoffs-3-results-ferreira-falls-to-injury-emiliano-sordi-vs-antonio-carlos-jr/ |access-date=2021-08-28 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Carlos Júnior faced Marthin Hamlet in the Finals of the Light Heavyweight tournament on 27 October 2021, at PFL 10.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Mookie |date=2021-08-28 |title=Here are the six tournament finals for the PFL 2021 season finale |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2021/8/28/22646143/mma-news-six-tournament-finals-pfl-2021-season-finale |access-date=2021-09-27 |website=Bloody Elbow |language=en}} He won the bout via rear-naked choke in the first round, winning the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament and $1 million prize.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-10-27|title=PFL Championship 2021 Results: Antonio Carlos Junior Submits Marthin Hamlet|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/10/27/pfl-championship-2021-results-antonio-carlos-junior-vs-marthin-hamlet/|access-date=2021-10-27|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Carlos Júnior faced Delan Monte on April 20, 2022, at PFL 1.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Manfio vs. Madge to headline PFL season kickoff |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/33570255/raush-manfio-vs-don-magic-man-madge-headline-professional-fighters-league-2022-season-kickoff-former-ufc-champ-anthony-pettis-myles-price-co-main-event |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He won 29 seconds into the bout via brabo choke.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-04-20 |title=PFL 1 2022: Antonio Carlos Junior Shocks Delan Monte, Forces Early Tap |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/04/20/pfl-1-2022-antonio-carlos-junior-vs-delan-monte/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Carlos Júnior faced Bruce Souto on June 17, 2022, at PFL 4.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-18 |title=Collard to face Martinez in PFL second round |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/33937912/clay-collard-face-alexander-martinez-pfl-second-round |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He won the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-06-18 |title=Alex Martinez Edges Out Clay Collard in Thrilling PFL 4 Main Event |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/06/18/pfl-4-clay-collard-vs-alex-martinez/ |access-date=2022-06-18 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Carlos Júnior was scheduled to face Omari Akhmedov in the Semifinals off the Light Heavyweight tournament on August 5, 2022, at PFL 7.{{Cite web |last=Hannoun |first=Farah |date=2022-05-24 |title=2022 PFL playoff schedule includes U.K. doubleheader, promotion's first international shows |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/05/2022-pfl-playoffs-international-uk-new-york |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} However, he suffered an ACL injury requiring surgery, sidelining him for the rest of the year.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2022-07-08 |title=Defending PFL champion Antonio Carlos Junior injured, out of 2022 playoffs |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/7/8/23200149/defending-champion-antonio-carlos-junior-injured-out-2022-pfl-playoffs |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

Carlos Júnior made his return against Simon Biyong on April 12, 2024 at PFL 2.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2024-03-11 |title=PFL announces full line-ups for first 3 season events, 8 ex-Bellator champions debut |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/11/24097668/pfl-announces-full-line-up-three-season-events-debut-bellator-champions |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He won the fight by a rear-naked choke submission.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-13 |title=2024 PFL 2 video: 'Shoeface' Antonio Carlos Junior squeezes Simon Biyong into submission |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/04/2024-pfl-2-video-shoeface-antonio-carlos-junior-squeezes-simon-biyong-into-submission |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Carlos Júnior next faced Alex Polizzi on June 21, 2024 at PFL 5, losing the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |title=Alex Polizzi playing spoiler at light heavyweight with decision win |url=https://pflmma.com/news/alex-polizzi-playing-spoiler-at-light-heavyweight-with-decision-win |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=pflmma.com}}

Carlos Júnior was scheduled to face Karl Albrektsson on August 16, 2024 at PFL 8.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2024-07-17 |title=PFL announces new matchups, playoff alternates for August cards |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/7/17/24200702/pfl-announces-new-match-ups-playoff-alternates-august-cards-2024 |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} However the week of the bout, Albrektsson pulled out for unknown reasons.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-12 |title=PFL: Adversário de Cara de Sapato se lesiona e luta do brasileiro é cancelada |url=https://ge.globo.com/combate/noticia/2024/08/12/pfl-adversario-de-cara-de-sapato-se-lesiona-e-luta-do-brasileiro-e-cancelada.ghtml |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=ge |language=pt-br}}

On March 4, 2025, the promotion officially revealed that Carlos Júnior will join the 2025 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament.{{Cite web |last=Sherdog.com |title=PFL Announces Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight Rosters for 2025 World Tournament

|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/PFL-Announces-Heavyweight-Light-Heavyweight-Rosters-for-2025-World-Tournament-196320 |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=Sherdog |language=en}}

In the quarterfinal, Carlos Júnior is scheduled to face Karl Moore on May 1, 2025, at PFL 4.{{Cite web |last=Heck |first=Mike |date=2025-03-11 |title=PFL reveals all first-round matchups for 2025 World Tournament

|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/3/11/24383265/pfl-reveals-all-first-round-matchups-for-2025-world-tournament |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Heavyweight Tournament Winner
• Tied (Thales Leites, Rousimar Palhares & Demian Maia) for second most submissions in UFC Middleweight division history (5){{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=MW|title=UFC Records - Middleweight|website=statleaders.ufc.com|access-date=2023-11-18}}
• Professional Fighters League
• 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship

• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2012)
• 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2012)
• 2nd Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2012)
• 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2010 brown belt)
• 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2011 / 2010 brown belt, 2009 /purple belt, 2008 blue belt)
• 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals Juvenile (2007)
• 1st Place IBJJF South American Championship (2008 purple belt, 2007 blue junior)
• 1st Place IBJJF South American Championship Juvenile (2007)
• 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Team Nationals (2008 / 2007)

Source:{{Cite web |title=Antonio Carlos Junior "Cara de Sapato" {{!}} BJJ Heroes |url=https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/antonio-carlos-junior |access-date=2023-02-14}}

{{MMArecordbox

|ko-wins=0

|sub-wins=12

|dec-wins=4

|ko-losses=1

|sub-losses=0

|dec-losses=5

|nc=2

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|

|align=center|

|Karl Moore

|

|PFL 4 (2025)

|{{dts|2025|May|01}}

|align=center|

|align=center|

|Orlando, Florida, United States

|{{small|2025 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinal.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|{{nowrap|16–6 (2)}}

|Alex Polizzi

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 5 (2024)

|{{dts|2024|June|21}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|{{nowrap|16–5 (2)}}

|Simon Biyong

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|PFL 2 (2024)

|{{dts|2024|April|12}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:34

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–5 (2)

|Bruce Souto

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 4 (2022)

|{{dts|2022|June|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Atlanta, Georgia, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–5 (2)

|Delan Monte

|Submission (brabo choke)

|PFL 1 (2022)

|{{dts|2022|April|20}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:29

|Arlington, Texas, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–5 (2)

|Marthin Hamlet

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|PFL 10 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|October|27}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:49

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

|{{small|Won the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–5 (2)

|Emiliano Sordi

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 9 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|August|27}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

|{{small|2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.}}

|-

|{{nocontest}}NC

|align=center|11–5 (2)

|Vinny Magalhães

|NC (accidental knee to groin)

|PFL 5 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|June|17}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:45

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Accidental knee to the groin rendered Magalhães unable to continue.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–5 (1)

|Tom Lawlor

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|PFL 2 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|April|29}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:43

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Return to Light Heavyweight.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|10–5 (1)

|Brad Tavares

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 257

|{{dts|2021|January|24}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|10–4 (1)

|Uriah Hall

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Gaethje

|{{dts|2019|September|14}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|10–3 (1)

|Ian Heinisch

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Lee

|{{dts|2019|May|18}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Rochester, New York, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|10–2 (1)

|Tim Boetsch

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje

|{{dts|2018|April|14}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:28

|Glendale, Arizona, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–2 (1)

|Jack Marshman

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Machida

|{{dts|2017|October|28}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:30

|São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|8–2 (1)

|Eric Spicely

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 212

|{{dts|2017|June|3}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:49

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–2 (1)

|Marvin Vettori

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 207

|{{dts|2016|December|30}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|6–2 (1)

|Leonardo Augusto Guimarães

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson

|{{dts|2016|September|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|4:46

|Hidalgo, Texas, United States

|{{small|Carlos Júnior was deducted one point in round 1 due to an illegal knee.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|5–2 (1)

|Dan Kelly

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Mir

|{{dts|2016|March|20}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|1:36

|Brisbane, Australia

|

|-

|{{nocontest}}NC

|align=center|5–1 (1)

|Kevin Casey

|NC (accidental eye poke)

|UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. VanZant

|{{dts|2015|December|10}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:11

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Accidental eye poke rendered Casey unable to continue.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|5–1

|Eddie Gordon

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Romero

|{{dts|2015|June|27|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|4:37

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

|{{small|Middleweight debut.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 4–1

|Patrick Cummins

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Dollaway

|{{dts|2014|December|20}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Barueri, Brazil

|{{small|Return to Light Heavyweight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 4–0

|Vitor Miranda

| Decision (unanimous)

|The Ultimate Fight Brazil 3 Finale: Miocic vs. Maldonado

|{{dts|2014|May|31|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|São Paulo, Brazil

|{{small|Won The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Heavyweight Tournament.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 3–0

|Ednaldo Novaes

|Submission (armbar)

|Champion Fights 2

|{{dts|2013|October|26}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 4:16

|Salvador, Brazil

|{{small|Heavyweight debut.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 2–0

|Gerônimo Oliveira

|Submission (arm-triangle choke)

|Imperium: MMA Pro 6

|{{dts|2013|September|14}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 1:41

|Feira de Santana, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 1–0

|Celivaldo da Silva

|Submission (arm-triangle choke)

|Nordeste MMA 1

|{{dts|2013|July|20}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 1:02

|Salvador, Brazil

|{{small|Light Heavyweight debut.}}

|-

{{end}}

{{Cite web |url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Antonio-Carlos-Jr-143157 |title=Antonio |last=Sherdog.com |website=Sherdog |access-date=2019-09-15}}

{{MMA exhibition record box

|ko-wins=2

|ko-losses=

|sub-wins=1

|sub-losses=

|dec-wins=

|dec-losses=

|draws=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–0

|Marcos Rogério de Lima

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3

|{{dts|2014|May|18|format=dmy}} (airdate)

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:22

|São Paulo, Brazil

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 semifinal round.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Edgard Castaldelli Filho

|KO (punch)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3

|{{dts|2014|March|30|format=dmy}} (airdate)

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:12

|São Paulo, Brazil

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 preliminary round.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Guilherme Viana

|TKO (punches)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3

|{{dts|2014|March|9|format=dmy}} (airdate)

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:32

|São Paulo, Brazil

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 elimination round.}}

|-

{{end}}

{{Cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Antonio-Carlos-Jr-143157 |title=Antonio |last=Sherdog.com |website=Sherdog |access-date=2018-11-08}}

• List of current PFL fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.pflmma.com/fighter/antonio-carlosjr. Antônio Carlos Júnior] at PFL
• {{UFC|antonio-carlos-junior}}
• {{Sherdog|143157}}

{{WSOF Title Holders}}

{{The Ultimate Fighter}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carlos, Antonio Junior}}

Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:Brazilian male mixed martial artists

Category:Brazilian practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Brazilian male Muay Thai practitioners

Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Light heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Middleweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Muay Thai

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Sportspeople from João Pessoa, Paraíba

Category:Martial artists from Paraíba

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:21st-century Brazilian sportsmen