Karl Moore

Karl Moore (born October 24, 1991) is a Northern Irish mixed martial artist who competes in the Light Heavyweight division. He has also competed in Cage Warriors (CW), where he was the Light Heavyweight Championship, in Bellator MMA, where he was a Light Heavyweight Title contender, and PFL.

Background Born and raised in the streets of Twinbrook, Belfast, Moore's journey into the world of combat sports began with wrestling matches on the gritty roads of Belfast. Influenced by the larger-than-life personas of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin and his father's background in martial arts, Moore found himself drawn to the raw intensity of MMA at a young age. Despite initially dabbling in various disciplines like BJJ, judo, and Thai boxing, it was the all-encompassing nature of mixed martial arts that truly captivated him.

At 16, Moore took the plunge into formal MMA training at Fight Academy Ireland Gym in Poleglass, where his passion for the sport solidified. However, the path to success was far from easy. Moore endured hardships typical of aspiring fighters: working multiple jobs, scraping by on minimal income, and even resorting to sleeping on a gym mattress. Moore's life took a significant turn when he crossed paths with Gerry Storey, a legendary figure in Belfast's boxing scene. Under Storey's tutelage, Moore honed his skills and showcased his talent in the ring, earning a victory in his lone boxing bout organized by Storey.

Transitioning to the heavyweight division, Moore faced Mauro Cerilli for the Cage Warriors Heavyweight Championship at Cage Warriors 92 on March 24, 2018, in London, England. Despite his efforts, Moore fell short, suffering a first-round KO due to a devastating knee and subsequent punches.

Bellator MMA Moore signed a contract with Bellator MMA, and made his promotional debut on September 27, 2019, at Bellator 227 against Lee Chadwick. He won the fight by split decision.

Moore faced Karl Albrektsson on September 23, 2022, at Bellator 285. He won the fight via face crank submission in the second round.

Moore faced Maciej Różański on February 25, 2023, at Bellator 291. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Moore faced Alex Polizzi on June 16, 2023, at Bellator 297. He won the bout by unanimous decision.

After Vadim Nemkov vacated the Light Heavyweight title, Moore faced Corey Anderson on March 22, 2024, at Bellator Champions Series 1 for the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship. He lost the bout via unanimous decision, getting dominated in the wrestling throughout the bout.

Professional Fighters League On March 4, 2025, the promotion officially revealed that Moore will join the 2025 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament.

In the quarterfinal, Moore faced Antônio Carlos Júnior on May 1, 2025, at PFL 4. He lost the fight by split decision.

On April 30, 2025 it was announced that Moore had tested positive for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) as the result of an out-of-competition sample collected on April 9, 2025. USADA gave him a 1 year suspension that began on April 9th. It was also announced that Moore had been released from the promotion prior to the suspension.

Championships and achievements Mixed martial arts BattleZone Fighting Championships Battlezone FC Light Heavyweight Championship (One Time) Cage Warriors Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Championship (One Time)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Antônio Carlos Júnior Decision (split) PFL 4 (2025)

Orlando, Florida, United States 2025 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinal. Loss

Corey Anderson Decision (unanimous) Bellator Champions Series 1

Belfast, Northern Ireland For the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship. Win

Alex Polizzi Decision (unanimous) Bellator 297

Chicago, Illinois, United States Win

Maciej Różański Decision (unanimous) Bellator 291

Dublin, Ireland Win

Karl Albrektsson Submission (face crank) Bellator 285

Dublin, Ireland Win

Lee Chadwick Decision (split) Bellator 227

Dublin, Ireland Return to Light Heavyweight. Loss

Mauro Cerilli KO (knee and punches) Cage Warriors 92

London, England Heavyweight debut. For the Cage Warriors Heavyweight Championship. Win

Josh Clark Decision (unanimous) Cage Warriors 81

Dublin, Ireland Won the vacant Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Championship. Win

Paco Estevez KO (punches) Cage Warriors: Unplugged 1

London, England Win

Prince Aounallah Submission (arm-triangle choke) Venator FC 2

Rimini, Italy Loss

Paul Craig Submission (guillotine choke) BAMMA 22

Dublin, Ireland Win

Lloyd Clarkson Decision (unanimous) Cage Warriors 70

Dublin, Ireland Win

Richie Knox TKO (punches) Cage Warriors 62

Newcastle, England Win

Cyril Asker Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Contender 17

Newry, Northern Ireland Win

Washington Ferreira Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Contender 14

Dublin, Ireland Win

Rimantas Pukas Submission (triangle choke) Battlezone FC 4

Dublin, Ireland Light Heavyweight debut. Won the Battlezone FC Light Heavyweight Championship.