Denis Goltsov finally won the big one.
After coming up short in three previous attempts under the PFL banner, “The Russian Bogatyr” secured the million-dollar bag by submitting Oleg Popov as part of the 2024 PFL Championships on Friday evening in Riyadh.
His first-round victory made him one of the best paid heavyweights in the promotion; but more importantly, also set him up for a potential pay-per-view (PPV) super fight against former UFC titleholder Francis Ngannou.
“I’m really happy because it’s my first time,” Goltsov said after the fight. “This year for me is very good, because I feel my conditioning is much better than last year. Now I think I’m ready and I want a big fight. Maybe next year you can see me in the cage again. Super fight. I will be ready, of course, (against) Francis Ngannou.”
Check out his entire post-fight interview below:
Dan Hardy talks to the newest PFL Heavyweight World Champ! Goltsov’s 2025 vision is now on Francis Ngannou! #andNOW#PFLWorldChampionship
LIVE NOW ON ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/RYohKJiGd2— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 29, 2024
Credit Dan Hardy for the assist, seems like Goltsov needed it.
Ngannou recently smoked the 2023 champion, Renan Ferreira, and talked about lining up another boxing match before returning to the SmartCage. In addition, PFL may try to lure a bigger name for “The Predator” in 2025, as Goltsov — despite his tenure and recent accomplishments — may not be the marquee name matchmakers are looking for.
That said, Goltsov is certainly a more realistic option than PFL’s elusive white whale.