Preview: PFL 1 ‘Collard vs. Stephens’

Light Heavyweights

Antonio Carlos Jr. (13-5, 3-0 PFL) vs. Delan Monte (8-1, 0-0 PFL)

BETUS ODDS: Carlos Jr. (-750), Monte (+475)

A change in weight class and organization made a world of difference for Carlos Jr., who captured the PFL’s light heavyweight title in 2021. “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3” winner never quite reached title contention in the UFC, as three-bout skid led to his exit from the promotion in 2021 after he peaked with five straight triumphs from September 2016 to April 2018. At light heavyweight, Carlos Jr. has combined improved striking with his already formidable submission skills to run through PFL opposition, including submission victories over Marthin Hamlet and Tom Lawlor. The American Top Team standout is best when he can pressure his opponents to force grappling exchanges, where he is adept at advancing position and executing back takes. From there, “Cara de Sapato” will often lock in a body triangle and hunt for a rear-naked choke, a finish he has achieved six times in his professional career. What Carlos Jr. appears to have improved from his UFC tenure is his striking, movement and ability to disguise takedowns behind punches. He can struggle against an opponent with solid takedown defense, but Carlos Jr. is persistent in working to get his adversary to the canvas from the clinch as well as from distance. It is hard to gauge how Monte will fare in a huge step up against a seasoned foe such as Carlos Jr. The Evolucao Thai member has racked up finishes on the Brazilian circuit against largely questionable opposition and has only gone beyond the second round once thus far in his career. In his most recent outing, Monte looked hittable and sloppy in exchanges, and he will not be able to outgrapple Carlos Jr. if aggression betrays him. Carlos Jr. by submission is the pick.

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