Hollywood, FL — Light heavyweight Sullivan Cauley (8-1) went from being sidelined completely in 2024, to being in the PFL World Tournament final in 2025.

What a difference a year can make.

Speaking with Cageside Press and other media outlets this week, the PFL Hollywood star noted that in 2024, “there was the acquisition of Bellator and at the same time, I injured myself. I actually had an ACL reconstruction. So those things kind of compounded and made for a long absence from the sport.”

“That was really tough, but by the time I recovered from that ACL, I was ready to go. I wanted to be busy this year, I wanted to fight as much as possible.” When his manager reached out to tell Cauley that he was in the PFL World Tournament, it was music to his ears. “That’s exactly the opportunity we were looking for. This is the plan. We thought I was going to win this tournament at the beginning, we knew it would be tough though. And it’s gone according to plan. We’ve been working hard, winning fights, and this has been the most fun in this sport I can remember.”

Should he win the PFL World Tournament at 205lbs, it’s safe to say Sullivan Cauley has options.

“I think a fight against Corey Anderson would be incredible. In the back of my mind, we’ve always wanted to step into boxing a little bit too. So maybe something there,” he suggested. “I think I’m one of the few guys in the sport of MMA that could box at the professional level really.”

Of course, there’s Antonio Carlos Junior to deal with first. “First thing’s first. We’ve got to beat ‘Shoeface,’ which is no easy task,” said Cauley.

Breaking down his opponent, Cauley, who trains alongside former Bellator double-champ Ryan Bader, said that ACJ “brings experience, toughness, world class jiu-jitsu. He brings a lot. He’s got more experience, than me, but I proved in my last fight I can beat guys with a lot of experience.”

“I think he’s a tough guy, I think he can grind out wins in close fights, he’s proven that. I don’t think he can strike like I can, I don’t think he can wrestle like I can, I don’t think he has the conditioning I have. I think I can get it done,” he finished.

Watch the full PFL Hollywood media day appearance by Sullivan Cauley above.