A pair of Bellator alums in Corey Anderson and A.J. McKee each came away with big wins at the event, with both seeing their first action in 2025.

Anderson, coming into the event with pal Ben Askren undergoing a double lung transplant, made his heavyweight debut for the promotion in a fight against PFL Global heavyweight champion Denis Goltsov. Anderson, still the reigning Bellator MMA light heavyweight champion (announced as such), didn’t give up much in height or weight, already a massive 205’er who had fought at heavyweight early in his career. That might have been key, as “Overtime” was able to hold his own against the veteran heavyweight, controlling the action up against the cage.

In the second round, Anderson found his opening, putting away Goltsov for a TKO victory.

Anderson (19-6, 1NC) has now won three straight, and should probably defend his light heavyweight title next, which will presumably transfer over to the PFL Champions Series with Bellator having been mothballed.

The return of former Bellator featherweight champ A.J. McKee was up next, with McKee looking to bounce back from a split decision loss against Paul Hughes when he took on Dagestan’s Akhmed Magomedov, with Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner.

Akhmed Magomedov dumped McKee early in the opening round on Saturday, off a caught kick, but that allowed McKee to throw up a triangle attempt. The Dagestani would have to be careful even on top, given McKee’s ability to pull off dazzling submissions from his back, but after readjusting, Magomedov was able to settle in, heavy on top. While that might have been bad news for many fighters, McKee was able to roll to one side, get an underhook, and threaten to sweep, ultimately getting to his feet and going straight into his own takedown before they moved back to center.

There, A.J. began finding his range, tagging Magomedov a couple of times and wobbling him once. Yet Magomedov managed to connect on McKee against the fence once himself, before McKee reversed, finishing a competitive first round with a body kick.

The tone had been set in the opening frame; to start round two, Magomedov immediately went into takedown mode, but struggled to get McKee down, eventually finding himself reversed. When they did go down, it was off a big slam, with McKee taking the back. Hooks in, McKee began slowly working towards a possible rear-naked choke, mixing in a few punches to create an opening.

Eventually Magomedov would escape up, but McKee stayed on him, and Magomedov was warned for grabbing the fence. McKee would land another body shot at the end of the frame, forcing Magomedov in on a takedown attempt he couldn’t land.

Ahead of round three, Magomedov was told he’d see a point deducted if he grabbed the fence again. The Dagestani came out hot, throwing hands then moving in on a takedown that saw McKee defend for a good thirty seconds before Magomedov finally finished and got on top. McKee then used the fence to roll, fired upkicks, and caught Magomedov in a triangle, though he was able to pull his head out. Still, a reminder that McKee was always, always dangerous off his back, even late in a fight. McKee then lifted a knee and was able to sweep, getting in on a guillotine and using it to transition to the back.

A.J. got hooks in with a minute left on the clock, and got a body triangle in place while seated. Not enough time was left, however, to find a finish. They’d go the distance, with McKee earning the unanimous decision victory and improving to 23-2 overall.

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Announced on Friday, PFL Cape Town has added former Bellator featherweight champ A.J. McKee (22-2), taking on Akhmed Magomedov (11-1, 1NC) at 145lbs – a return from his recent endeavors at lightweight. As well, Bellator light heavyweight champ Corey Anderson (18-6, 1NC) will return to action for the first time since winning his title, taking on Denis Goltsov (36-8) in a heavyweight fight.

Goltsov claimed heavyweight gold in the PFL tournament in 2024, making the fight a champ versus champ affair of sorts, weight classes not withstanding.

Since moving to lightweight in 2022, McKee has posted a 4-1 record, competing for Bellator MMA (and on a co-promotion with RIZIN) and the PFL. He’ll be looking to bounce back from just his second career loss, a split decision dropped to Paul Hughes last October.

McKee last fought as a featherweight when he lost his Bellator title in a rematch with Patricio Pitbull at Bellator 277 in April 2022, after having won the belt the year prior.

PFL Cape Town is headlined by Johnny Eblen, taking on Costello Van Steenis in a middleweight title fight. Dakota Ditcheva has been booked opposite Sumiko Inaba; the card is part of the PFL Champions Series, taking place live on July 19, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.

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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

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The PFL World Championships take place tomorrow and the scene is absurdly different than it has been in years past.

While last year saw several PFL veterans in action compete for the million dollar prize (several of which not for the first time) the 2024 championship event looks very different with nine first time finalists due to the influx of talent in the offseason.

The inclusion of talent from Bellator has been the most notable change to the PFL landscape and the championships will see several veterans from the former competing in the final.  However, the one to watch is the 2023 PFL Europe tournament winner Dakota Ditcheva whom the promotion has most clearly put their focus behind as being their potential superstar.

Ahead of what is expected to be a critical 2025 campaign, the winners from this Friday are expected to be in high stakes bout as the PFL looks to further organize their events across their multiple brands.  Here are the top storylines to watch.

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Popov claimed a unanimous decision against Linton Vassell, who had stepped into the playoffs on short notice, replacing Valentin Moldavsky, who had withdrawn from the tournament.

Moldavsky, like Popov, is a student of Fedor Emelianenko, part of “The Last Emperor’s” highly-touted Fedor Team. If nothing else, Moldavsky being swapped out with Vassell saw teammates avoid fighting one another.

Tim Johnson, meanwhile, met Denis Goltsov in the PFL Nashville main event. Goltsov, a finalist in 2023 and multi-time PFL playoff fighter, is a veteran looking to get over the final hump and claim the first major title of his career. Johnson was a late entrant in the 2024 season, sneaking into the playoffs off his one and only fight, a finish of UFC vet Danilo Marques.

Friday’s main event opened with Johnson punching in and driving Goltsov into the fence. Unable to get the Russian fighter down, the action returned to center, and this time, it was Goltsov pursuing, and landing, a takedown. With three and a half minutes on the clock, Goltsov had ample time to work from half-guard. Right hands followed; Goltsov moved to mount, dropping ground n’ pound as Tim Johnson covered up. Under fire, Johnson gave up his back, and wound up turning to his side again.

Goltsov, undeterred, pounded away, the ref taking a good look and finally choosing to halt the action. A TKO victory sends Denis Goltsov to the 2024 PFL heavyweight final, where he’ll meet Popov in an all-Russian finale.

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Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson served as the night’s main event, with Johnson having snuck into the playoffs as a short-notice replacement in the second half of the regular season. A big first round finish of Danilo Marques scored Johnson six points, and a spot opposite multi-time playoff competitor and 2023 finalist Goltsov.

The co-headliner and PFL Nashville, however, might have offered the real star of the show. Dakota Ditcheva, an undefeated striking specialist, had become arguably the biggest name in the promotion’s women’s flyweight division. She was paired up with BJJ ace and former Bellator fighter Jena Bishop, in a fight that presented a clear clash of styles.

Where to Watch PFL Nashville

PFL Nashville takes place Friday, August 2, 2024 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN. In the U.S., the preliminary card streams live on ESPN+, followed by the main card on ESPN/ESPN+. Canadian and European viewers can catch the action live on DAZN. The prelims kick off at 6PM ET, full results can be found below.

PFL Nashville: Goltsov vs. Johnson Results

Main Card

Denis Goltsov def. Tim Johnson by TKO, Round 1, 2:26 – heavyweight semifinal
Dakota Ditcheva def. Jena Bishop by TKO, Round 1, 3:54 – women’s flyweight semifinal
Oleg Popov def. Linton Vassell by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – heavyweight semifinal
Talia Santos def. Liz Carmouche by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – women’s flyweight semifinal

Preliminary Card

Sergei Bilostenniy def. Tyrell Fortune by verbal submission (heel hook), Round 1, 2:00
Alexei Pergande def. Daniel Boehle by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Cody Law def. Zach Hicks by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:15
Dedrek Sanders def. Sergio Cossio by KO, Round 1, 2:34
Anthony Ivy def. Jaleel Willis by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 4:49
Kevin Pease def. Nick Meck by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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Stunningly, Bellator flyweight champ Liz Carmouche, competing in the PFL season in a semifinal against Taila Santos, missed weight for the event. The first miss of her illustrious career puts Carmouche at a disadvantage; should the fight go to the scorecards, she’ll be deducted a single point.

All other semifinal fighters successfully made weight, with main event fighter Tim Johnson coming in at the top of the heavyweight scale, weighing 265.8 pounds for his fight with Denis Goltsov, who came in at a comparatively svelte 247.6.

Three non-semifinal competitors also missed weight, however, including two in the same bout.

PFL Nashville: Goltsov vs. Johnson Weigh-In Results

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“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.

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Having wrapped its regular season just weeks ago, the PFL now turns its focus to the playoffs, which sees semifinal action in the six weight classes included in the season format. With the standings already set, these-match-ups aren’t entirely a surprise, but are now officially announced.

The PFL’s 2024 post-season kicks off August 2 in Nashville, TN, with heavyweights Denis Goltsov and Tim Johnson topping the bill. Action then shifts to Hollywood, Florida on August 16, a card that sees Impa Kansanganay headlining in a light heavyweight showdown with Josh Silveira. That fight happens to be a rematch of the 2023 PFL light heavyweight finale.

Finally, August 23 finds the PFL back at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. for its final playoff card of 2024, headlined by Brendan Loughnane vs. Kai Kamaka III at featherweight.

Heavyweight Valentin Moldavsky has been forced to withdraw from the playoffs due to injury; Linton Vassell is stepping up to fill his spot.

The full main card line-ups of all three playoff events currently breaks down as follows:

Nashville, TN Friday, August 2 – 9:00 pm EST

Heavyweight Playoffs Main Event: Denis Goltsov (34-8) vs. Tim Johnson (18-9)
Women’s Flyweight Playoffs Co-Main Event: Dakota Ditcheva (12-0) vs. Jena Bishop (7-1)
Heavyweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Oleg Popov (18-1) vs. Linton Vassell (25-9)
Women’s Flyweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Liz Carmouche (22-7) vs. Taila Santos (21-3)

Hollywood, FL Friday, August 16 – 9:00 pm EST

Light Heavyweight Playoffs Main Event: Impa Kasanganay (17-4) vs. Josh Silveira (13-3)
Light Heavyweight Playoffs Co-Main Event: Rob Wilkinson (19-2) vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (23-7-1)
Lightweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (22-4-1) vs. Michael Dufort (13-5)
Lightweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Brent Primus (14-3) vs. Clay Collard (25-13)

Washington, D.C. Friday, August 23 – 9:00 pm EST

Featherweight Playoffs Main Event: Brendan Loughnane (29-5) vs. Kai Kamaka (14-5-1)
Welterweight Playoffs Co-Main Event: Magomed Umalatov (16-0) vs. Don Madge (11-5-1)
Featherweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Gabriel Braga (14-1) vs. Timur Khizriev (16-0)
Welterweight Playoffs Main Card Bout: Shamil Musaev (18-0-1) vs. Murad Ramazanov (12-1)

The post Main Cards Announced for All Three 2024 PFL Playoff Events appeared first on Cageside Press.

Santos lasted less than a round in his heavyweight debut, against a fighter in Goltsov (34-8) who has made the league’s post-season repeatedly. In 2023, he went to the finals, and he’ll look to do so again this year.

As for Santos, he fell via TKO in the first round after being rocked early. According to Goltsov, his strength doesn’t seem to have translated all that well to the new weight class.

“He didn’t really feel that strong, because once I was like a backpack on him, and I was controlling him, I was able to really mount him and control him and be on top,” Goltsov said following the fight, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press.

Santos was a replacement opponent, stepping in for Sergey Bilostenniy. That’s a situation Goltsov is not at all unfamiliar with.

“It’s something I’m used to. They always change opponents on me two, three times,” he noted. “It doesn’t matter.”

Unofficially, Denis Goltsov has had at least 10 fights in the PFL fall through, so he’s not off the mark. In any case, after earning four points in his first fight of the year, the six he claimed on Thursday have him comfortably in the post-season.

Not that the first fight even matters, he later explained. “I’m talking like a true veteran of PFL: it doesn’t really matter. First fight doesn’t mean anything. You just have to go. First fight doesn’t matter. You have to go and win and show everything you can do.”

Watch the full PFL 4 post-fight media scrum with Denis Goltsov above.

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