He was matched against Brett Cooper and after three close rounds, Carl won the fight via split decision.
In December 2011 Carl made his post-Bellator debut fighting for Far Eastern Federation of Modern Pankration in Russia.
In late 2012, Carl signed with upstart Las Vegas promotion World Series of Fighting.
His debut came at the promotion's first event, World Series of Fighting 1, held on November 3, 2012, against Ramico Blackmon.
[3] Steve Carl defeated Tyson Steele on June 14, 2013, at WSOF 3 via rear-naked choke submission in round one.
[5] Carl made his first title defense at WSOF 9 on March 29, 2014, against UFC vet Rousimar Palhares.
Steve Carl was confirmed as a cast member for The Ultimate Fighter 21 representing American Top Team.