Powell reaches PFL semi-final but heartbreak for Moore



Ireland's Karl Moore is out of the PFL's light-heavyweight tournament after a split decision defeat by Antonio Carlos Jr at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Abraham Bably also exited the tournament in the heavyweight bracket, but there was joy for fellow Englishman Simeon Powell who reached the light-heavyweight semi-final.

Powell, 26, knocked out Karl Albrektsson and will face Carlos Jr for a spot in the final.

Moore was out-grappled by Brazil's Carlos Jr and despite a strong final round, was unable to convince the judges he had done enough to claim victory.

Two of the judges went 29-28 in favour of Carlos Jr with the third giving it to Moore by the same score.

Moore, 33, was fighting for the first time since defeat by American Corey Anderson for the Bellator light-heavyweight title last year.

Moore, who lives in Belfast, said he had moved into his gym in Dublin to prepare for the fight to save money on travelling between the two cities.

He was facing a former PFL champion in Carlos Jr and a slow start to the fight ended up proving costly.

Moore was taken down twice by Carlos Jr in the first round, who landed a number of ground shots before continuing to dominate the grappling in the second round.

Moore fought back in the third, with a clean right hand and takedown towards the end of the contest, but couldn't secure the finish he needed.

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