For Denis Goltsov, he's always been the bridesmaid but never the bride when it comes to the PFL Season, consistently falling short of the Finals until last year – where he lost in the Finals to Renan Ferreira. Now, for the second year in a row, he’s back in the Heavyweight Championship battle, thanks to his first-round finishes of Linton Vassell, Thiago Santos, and Tim Johnson. Now, Goltsov, a longtime veteran of the PFL, finally gets the opportunity to become a PFL Heavyweight World Champion at last.

 

Oleg Popov has the longest win streak going in MMA right now, and that can turn into 18 straight wins while capturing a PFL world championship in the process. Known for his strength and wrestling, Popov dominated the likes of Steve Mowry, Davion Franklin, and Linton Vassell this season. Now, Popov gets arguably his toughest test yet in Goltsov as he looks to become a world champion.

 

Who will open the PFL World Championships portion of tonight’s event in Saudi Arabia by becoming the 2024 PFL Heavyweight World Champion?

 

 

Round 1

 

The two get to the center, with Goltsov working his jab early. A pair of left jabs from Goltsov. Popov works his own jab. Popov grabs at Goltsov’s leg and scores a takedown. Goltsov ties up Popov’s arms to keep him down. The referee calls for action. Popov tries to free one of his arms. Goltsov transitions to a left-leg butterfly. Popov clears the butterfly and sits in open guard. Popov tries to pummel on the inside. Goltsov throws up his legs and he appears to be trying for a triangle!

 

 

Goltsov has Popov’s arm extended, and it appears he’s switching to an armbar. He’s switching back and forth between both holds. Popov might be out of it. HE IS!

 

 

The streak is over for Popov, and the drought is over for Goltsov! Denis Goltsov is (at last) your 2024 PFL Heavyweight World Champion!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

Denis Goltsov defeats Oleg Popov by 1st round submission (triangle choke, 2:55) to become the 2024 PFL Heavyweight World Champion.

Goltsov gets his first PFL title in his 5th season, after several close calls

In the 2019 Semifinals, he was beating Ali Isaev on the scorecards only to be knocked out with 1 second left in the fight. Isaev went on to win the title.

Goltsov was the runner-up last season after losing to Renan Ferreira in the Championship fight

Goltsov is 36-8 in his career with 30 finishes (18 knockouts, 12 submissions)

Goltsov is a combat sambo world champion

After the win, Goltsov called for a fight against Francis Ngannou