Antônio Carlos Jr. Bio
Antônio Carlos Coelho de Figueiredo Barbosa Júnior, known professionally as Antônio Carlos Jr. and by his nickname Cara de Sapato, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division. Born on March 16, 1990, he is recognized for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has competed in major organizations including the UFC and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he has been a two-time Light Heavyweight champion.
Early Life and Background
Antônio Carlos Jr. was born in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Growing up in Brazil, he developed a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline in which he achieved multiple world championships as a youth and brown belt competitor. His early success in grappling laid the groundwork for his transition into mixed martial arts.
He currently resides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he continues to train and develop his fighting skills. Antônio Carlos Jr. holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting his high level of technical proficiency and dedication to the sport.
Path to MMA
Antônio Carlos Jr. began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2013, initially competing in the Heavyweight division. His grappling credentials and competitive success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helped him quickly gain recognition in the MMA community. He was selected to participate in The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3, a pivotal opportunity that showcased his skills on a larger stage.
During The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3, Antônio Carlos Jr. demonstrated his striking and submission abilities, earning victories by knockout and submission to advance through the tournament. His performance earned him the tournament championship, which served as a springboard to his UFC career and established him as a promising prospect in the sport.
Antônio Carlos Jr. Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
Antônio Carlos Jr. made his professional MMA debut in 2013 fighting as a Heavyweight. His early career was marked by rapid success, culminating in his participation and victory in The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Heavyweight tournament in 2014. This achievement secured his entry into the UFC and highlighted his potential as a rising star.
His debut in the UFC was at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale, where he defeated Vitor Miranda by unanimous decision to claim the tournament title. This victory was a significant milestone, confirming his readiness to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–2021)
After winning The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3, Antônio Carlos Jr. transitioned to the Light Heavyweight division, making his debut against Patrick Cummins in December 2014. Although he lost this fight by unanimous decision, he soon moved to the Middleweight division, where he found greater success.
Throughout his UFC tenure, Antônio Carlos Jr. secured multiple wins, primarily by submission, showcasing his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. Notable victories include wins over Eddie Gordon, Leonardo Augusto Guimarães, Marvin Vettori, Eric Spicely, Jack Marshman, and Tim Boetsch. His fighting style combined grappling dominance with effective striking, making him a versatile competitor.
Despite some setbacks due to injuries and losses, Antônio Carlos Jr. remained a respected fighter in the UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions until his release from the promotion in February 2021.
Professional Fighters League Era (2021–Present)
In 2021, Antônio Carlos Jr. signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to compete in their Light Heavyweight division. He made an immediate impact by winning his debut fight via first-round guillotine choke. Throughout the 2021 season, he advanced through the tournament, defeating opponents such as Emiliano Sordi and Marthin Hamlet to claim the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship and a $1 million prize.
He continued competing in the PFL with notable wins, including a quick submission victory over Delan Monte and a unanimous decision over Bruce Souto in 2022. An ACL injury sidelined him for part of the year, but he returned in 2024 with a submission win over Simon Biyong. In 2025, Antônio Carlos Jr. re-entered the PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament, winning his quarterfinal and semifinal bouts before capturing the championship again with a submission victory over Sullivan Cauley.
Driving Style and Strengths
Antônio Carlos Jr. is known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, which form the cornerstone of his fighting style. His ability to control opponents on the ground and secure submissions has earned him the majority of his wins. He combines this grappling prowess with effective striking and strategic fight management, making him a well-rounded and dangerous competitor in the Light Heavyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Antônio Carlos Jr.’s career include winning The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Heavyweight tournament, becoming the 2021 and 2025 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, and his multiple world championships in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His resilience through injuries and ability to return to championship form highlight his dedication and skill as a professional mixed martial artist.
Antônio Carlos Jr. Career Wins
Antônio Carlos Jr. has amassed a professional MMA record of 19 wins and 6 losses out of 27 total fights. His victories include 13 wins by submission, 5 by decision, and 1 by knockout, underscoring his grappling dominance and finishing ability.
Professional Fighters League Highlights
In the PFL, Antônio Carlos Jr. has secured two Light Heavyweight tournament championships, first in 2021 and again in 2025. His first PFL win came by guillotine choke in his debut, and he has consistently demonstrated his submission skills throughout the tournaments. His 2021 championship win earned him a $1 million prize, marking a high point in his career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
During his UFC career, Antônio Carlos Jr. earned notable wins over several top contenders, primarily via submission. His victory in The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Heavyweight tournament remains a defining achievement. Although he faced challenges with injuries and losses, his tenure in the UFC solidified his reputation as a skilled and competitive fighter.
Antônio Carlos Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Antônio Carlos Jr.’s family background are not publicly documented. His focus has remained on his martial arts career and training.
Personal Life
Antônio Carlos Jr. maintains a private personal life with no publicly confirmed information regarding his marital status or children. He is known primarily for his professional accomplishments and dedication to mixed martial arts.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Antônio Carlos Jr. returned to compete in the PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament. He won his quarterfinal fight by split decision and followed with a unanimous decision victory in the semifinals. In the finals, he secured the championship with a second-round submission, reaffirming his status as one of the top fighters in the division. His performance demonstrated his resilience and skill after recovering from previous injuries, and he remains a key competitor for future PFL seasons.