Preview: PFL 2024 Season Championships

PFL Heavyweight Final

Denis Goltsov (35-8, 13-3 PFL) vs. Oleg Popov (19-1, 3-0 PFL)

ODDS: Goltsov (-120), Popov (-120)

There’s nothing like a big-time heavyweight fight. Goltsov and Popov come into this showdown with bazookas attached to both arms. This one will be fun for however long it lasts. After falling short of the championship last season, Goltsov returned after reeling off three straight TKO finishes. He has fast mitts and a right hand that can break faces, but what really puts him over the top is his elite ground game. You will not find solace on the canvas against him. His 11 career submissions are nothing to scoff at, but as well-rounded as the Russian boogeyman has shown himself to be, he’s also chinny. Goltsov dominated Renan Ferreira in the first round of their championship showdown last season but was knocked out a mere 26 seconds into the second round. In eight defeats, Goltsov has been stopped seven times. It’s finish or be finished, and in this case, that may come back to haunt him yet again.

Popov is surging with confidence, as he carries a 17-fight winning streak over the last eight years. He has never been stopped and is very defensively responsible. He’s giving up four inches in height but is as strong as an ox. It will be very difficult for Goltsov to dominate him in the clinch. Although he’s not as explosive as the former tournament runner-up, Popov’s disciplined approach instills more confidence as the fight progresses. This showdown is bound to produce fireworks. Goltsov is a cannon that can end the fight at any moment, but his defense and chin leave a lot to be desired. If Popov can weather the early storm, it would not be surprising to see him turn the tide and yet again snatching another title away from “The Bogatyr.”

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Khizriev vs. Loughnane
Ditcheva vs. Santos
Kasanganay vs. Yagshimuradov
Musaev vs. Umalatov
Rabadanov vs. Primus
Goltsov vs. Popov
The Prelims