PFL Preview: League Newcomers Target Light Heavyweight Crown

A pair of exciting newcomers will battle for the light heavyweight championship when Brazil’s Antonio Carlos Junior faces Norway’s Marthin Hamlet at the PFL World Championship 2021 on October 27th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Back in 2020, PFL announced a massive roster of new signings, which included light heavyweight standouts such as Carlos Junior and Hamlet.

Being a UFC veteran for over seven years and former Ultimate Fighter: Brazil winner, Paraiba’s Carlos Junior (12-5, 2NC) was definitely one to watch out for.

True enough, the Brazilian lived up to expectations as he needed just under a round to choke out veteran Tom Lawlor in his PFL debut.

While his second elimination round bout ended in a no contest, Carlos Junior’s maiden performance was enough for him to lock up the top seed heading into the playoffs.

In the semifinal round, Carlos Junior overcame a massive test in Emiliano Sordi, winning by unanimous decision and securing a spot in the million-dollar championship finale.

Prior to his stint in the PFL, Tonsberg’s Hamlet (8-2) was relatively unknown, having competed mainly in Europe.

It didn’t take long for Hamlet to make an impact as he choked out Dan Spohn in the second round in his league debut.

While Hamlet would lose his second elimination round bout, he did enough to earn a spot in the playoffs, coming in as the No. 3-seed.

In the semifinals, Hamlet defeated second-seeded Cezar Ferreira Jr., who suffered an injury in the opening round.

With the light heavyweight championship and a million-dollar grand prize at stake, two of PFL’s most promising light heavyweight contenders will do battle on the promotion's biggest night.