In Friday’s PFL Heavyweight World Championship final, Russian contenders Denis Goltsov and Oleg Popov met with one million dollars on the line. Popov came into the contest with the longest active winning streak in the heavyweight division (17). Goltsov was defeated in last year’s final but marched through the 2024 season for this chance at championship redemption.
In the opening moments of the fight both competitors met in the center of the cage, with Goltsov landing a jab early. Shortly after, Popov took Goltsov to ground landing a takedown against the fence. Goltsov expertly threw up a triangle that no one including Popov saw coming. Popov struggled to survive and get his head out of the dangerous position, but Goltsov put the surging prospect to sleep with the submission.
An incredible victory for Goltsov who finally captured PFL gold after coming up short just last year. Goltsov earned himself 1 Million dollars and possibly a matchup against PFL Heavyweight Francis Ngannou. After snapping Popov’s impressively long win streak, Goltsov has positioned himself for the biggest fight of his career.
During his post-fight interview Goltsov stated “I am really happy because this is my fifth time… I feel my condition was much better than last year… Now I’m ready I want a big fight!” Goltsov also said that he “of course” wants to fight Ngannou in a Super-Fight next October.
Official Result: Denis Goltsov def. Oleg Popov by submission (triangle choke), Round 1, 2:55
