Denis Goltsov made his promotional debut in a big way at PFL 3 2019, knocking out UFC veteran Jared Rosholt in the first round.
Denis Goltsov comes into his PFL debut with wins in 17 of his last 18 fights. That run comes after a tough 5-4 start to his career that included a loss to top UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov. His run includes wins over veterans James McSweeney, Chase Gormley, Mike Kyle, Paul Buentello, and Brett Rogers. Of his 22 victories, he has nine submissions and nine knockouts.
Jared Rosholt was a semi-finalist in PFL’s heavyweight tournament last year as the seventh seed. With wins over Kevin Tiller and Valdrin Istrefi, Rosholt fell in the playoffs to eventual champion Philipe Lins. The three-time Division 1 All-American wrestler went 6-2 in the UFC from 2013 to 2016 with wins over Stefan Struve and Walt Harris. Despite the impressive record, Rosholt’s less-than-exciting style led to his exit from the promotion. Overall, he is 17-6 with seven stoppages.
The first round started fairly tentatively, as Jared Rosholt held off his wrestling and allowed Denis Goltsov to take the center of the cage. Rosholt charged in with an overhand right, and was met with a beautiful counter-left hand from Goltsov. Rosholt went right down, and Goltsov followed up with several punches that forced the referee to stop the fight.
Welcome to #PFLmma, @denisgoltsov! What a finish by the Russian, who gets 6 points with this 1st-round knockout! #PFL3 pic.twitter.com/IqLhAbikbH
— #PFLmma (@ProFightLeague) June 7, 2019
The knockout was the second first-round stoppage of a night filled with decisions.
Denis Goltsov def. Jared Rosholt by TKO (Left Hook and Punches) in Round 1 (2:03)
