Karl Moore Bio
Karl Moore (born October 24, 1991) is a Northern Irish mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division. He has fought in prominent organizations such as Cage Warriors, Bellator MMA, and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), earning recognition as a former Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Champion and a Bellator Light Heavyweight title contender.
Early Life and Background
Karl Moore was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, specifically in the Twinbrook area. His early exposure to combat sports began with wrestling matches on the streets of Belfast, inspired by the influence of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and his father’s martial arts background. This early environment fostered a passion for fighting and competition.
At the age of 16, Moore committed to formal mixed martial arts training at Fight Academy Ireland Gym in Poleglass. Despite facing financial hardships, including working multiple jobs and limited resources, he persevered. A pivotal moment in his development was training under Gerry Storey, a renowned boxing coach in Belfast, where Moore also earned a victory in his sole boxing match.
Path to MMA
Moore’s early training included various disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, and Muay Thai, but he ultimately focused on mixed martial arts due to its comprehensive nature. His dedication and skill development at Fight Academy Ireland laid the foundation for his professional career, allowing him to transition from local competitions to larger regional promotions.
His early achievements in regional UK circuits established him as a promising fighter, leading to opportunities in more competitive organizations. This progression marked his ascent within the sport and set the stage for his entry into Cage Warriors and Bellator MMA.
Karl Moore Career
Early Career (2011–2016)
Karl Moore began his professional MMA career in 2011 at Battlezone FC 4, where he won the Battlezone FC Light Heavyweight Championship by submitting Rimantas Pukas with a first-round triangle choke. He maintained a strong winning streak across UK regional events, including a notable victory over future UFC competitor Cyril Asker.
In 2015, Moore experienced a setback at BAMMA 22, losing by guillotine choke submission to Paul Craig. Demonstrating resilience, he rebounded with two first-round finishes, reaffirming his status as a rising contender in the Light Heavyweight division.
Cage Warriors Breakthrough (2016–2018)
Moore’s breakthrough came at Cage Warriors 81 on March 4, 2017, where he captured the vacant Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Championship with a unanimous decision win over Josh Clark. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, elevating his profile within European MMA.
In 2018, Moore moved up to heavyweight to challenge Mauro Cerilli for the Cage Warriors Heavyweight Championship at Cage Warriors 92. Despite a strong effort, he was defeated by first-round knockout due to a knee strike and follow-up punches. This experience added to his growth as a fighter competing at higher weight classes.
Bellator MMA Era (2019–Present)
Moore signed with Bellator MMA and debuted on September 27, 2019, at Bellator 227, securing a split decision victory over Lee Chadwick. Over the following years, he continued to build momentum with notable wins, including a second-round submission against Karl Albrektsson at Bellator 285 in 2022, and unanimous decision victories over Maciej Różański and Alex Polizzi in 2023.
On March 22, 2024, Moore challenged Corey Anderson for the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship at Bellator Champions Series 1. Despite a valiant effort, he lost by unanimous decision, with Anderson dominating the wrestling exchanges throughout the bout.
Driving Style and Strengths
Karl Moore is known for his versatility and resilience inside the cage. His fighting style combines strong grappling skills with striking ability, allowing him to adapt to various opponents. His reach and height advantage contribute to effective striking range, while his wrestling background supports his takedown defense and ground control. Moore’s partnership with SBG Ireland has been instrumental in refining his technical skills and fight strategy.
Notable Events and Milestones
Moore’s capture of the Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Championship stands as a career highlight. His Bellator tenure includes multiple significant victories and a title shot, underscoring his status as a top contender in the division. His perseverance through weight class changes and competitive setbacks demonstrates his commitment to the sport.
Karl Moore Career Wins
Throughout his professional MMA career, Karl Moore has amassed a record of 12 wins and 4 losses. His victories include a mix of decisions, knockouts, and submissions, reflecting a well-rounded skill set. Moore’s championship win in Cage Warriors and his competitive performances in Bellator highlight his success at high levels of competition.
Cage Warriors Highlights
Moore’s tenure in Cage Warriors was marked by his winning the Light Heavyweight Championship at Cage Warriors 81 in 2017. This title win was achieved through a hard-fought unanimous decision over Josh Clark. Although his attempt at the Heavyweight Championship in 2018 ended in defeat, his Cage Warriors performances solidified his reputation in European MMA circles.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining major promotions, Moore secured the Battlezone FC Light Heavyweight Championship early in his career. He also recorded notable victories over regional competitors, including a win against Cyril Asker, who later competed in the UFC. These successes laid the groundwork for his advancement to international stages.
Karl Moore Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Karl Moore’s family background are limited. However, it is known that his father had a martial arts background, which influenced Moore’s early interest in combat sports.
Personal Life
Karl Moore resides in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Information regarding his marital status or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Karl Moore was announced to compete in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Light Heavyweight Tournament. He faced Antônio Carlos Júnior in the quarterfinals on May 1, 2025, at PFL 4 but lost by split decision. Subsequently, Moore was released from the promotion prior to a suspension issued to another fighter in the tournament. This season marked a challenging period as Moore sought to establish himself within the PFL framework.