PFL Nashville’s Denis Goltsov knows a thing or two about Renan Ferreira.
“The Russian Bogatyr” faces Tim Johnson in a heavyweight semifinal this Friday, and ahead of the fight, gave his prediction for Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira.
That fight is widely expected to come this fall, with Ngannou himself recently suggesting an October date.
Goltsov (34-8) faced Ferreira a year ago, in the 2023 final. The Brazilian put Goltsov away with hammerfists in the second round that night.
“They’re both very tough fighters, very physical fighters, specimens,” Goltsov observed, speaking to Cageside Press in an exclusive interview ahead of his showdown with Johnson. “I feel like if Francis is coming in good shape, overall he has a little more experience as an MMA fighter. Having said that, Ferreria has those long arms and heavy hands, so it’s going to be an interesting fight. However, I would give a slight advantage towards Francis.”
Of course, Goltsov has his own fight to be concerned with. He’s been here before, a multi-time playoff fighter since arriving in the PFL in 2019. That was back when the league was still holding two fights in a single night for its playoffs, so Goltsov has seen a bit of everything.
As to his approach, and whether it has changed, the heavyweight told us that “last season, it was a little bit not enough in the finals. Of course I’m always doing new work, I’m adding new techniques. Whatever it is, boxing, if it’s the clinch work, if it’s the cage work, it doesn’t matter what it is- I’m just trying to get better, and I’m hoping this year is the year I can become champion.”
As for Johnson, who has fought a who’s who of Russian MMA including Alexander Volkov, Vitaly Minakov, and Fedor Emelianenko, Goltsov sees a hard working man with whom he has much in common. And he appreciates how Johnson made the most of a short notice opportunity earlier this year to make it into the playoffs.
“Tim got a great opportunity, it was a great fight, he got lucky how everything turned around and got into place, but he used his opportunity very wisely with his experience as a fighter,” noted Goltsov. “As a person, I like him. He’s a hard working man, he works really, really hard with his hands. He’s a great guy, he’s a family man.”
“I would have to say we have a lot in common. There’s definitely a lot to chat about when we see each other. So I like him. He’s a great guy,” Goltsov finished.
Watch our full interview with PFL Nashville’s Denis Goltsov above.
