An alumnus of the PFL Challenger Series, Antonio Caruso was scheduled to compete in a bout this past April before having to withdraw. The Kill Cliff FC product has been a multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion in his native Australia, as well as an Australian boxing champion. He last fought in July, scoring a decision over Pat Crumpton.

 

Vinicius Cenci has been a submission machine, with six of his seven finishes coming via submission – and five of the seven finishes coming in the first round (four of those by submission). Cenci’s submission wins, more specifically, have come via both the rear-naked choke and the guillotine. Cenci fought in the first round of the lightweight tournament this past April, losing to former Bellator World Champion and 2024 PFL Lightweight runner-up Brent Primus.

 

Who will come out victorious in this Lightweight Alternate Bout?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Cenci. Low kick from Caruso. Caruso with a body lock, pressing Cenci into the SmartCage. Caruso looks for the takedown, but Cenci prevents it. Cenci gets an arm around the neck and brings Caruso into a guillotine choke. Caruso tries to pass, but Cenci gets up his guard. Caruso lifts Cenci and slams him – but it doesn’t work! It’s a tighter choke now! Caruso taps out!

 

 

Quick finish from Vinicius Cenci!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Vinicius Cenci def. Antonio Caruso via first-round submission (Triangle choke, 1:43)