After PFL President Dismisses Pursuing ‘Pain In The Ass’ Muhammad Mokaev, ONE Reportedly Told He’s Re-Signing With UFC

Muhammad Mokaev’s future has been in question ever since his very public release from the mixed martial arts leader after UFC 304. And now, it seems the best potential alternate option for him has its door closed. Or has it? According to Drake Riggs of MMA Mania, ONE Championship and Mokaev have had discussions, but […]

Continue Reading After PFL President Dismisses Pursuing ‘Pain In The Ass’ Muhammad Mokaev, ONE Reportedly Told He’s Re-Signing With UFC at MMA News.

Muhammad Mokaev’s future has been in question ever since his very public release from the mixed martial arts leader after UFC 304. And now, it seems the best potential alternate option for him has its door closed.

Or has it?

According to Drake Riggs of MMA Mania, ONE Championship and Mokaev have had discussions, but the Asian promotion was told that he will be re-signing with the UFC.

It is unknown if Mokaev will actually get re-signed by the UFC, but Mokaev’s social media activity of late seems to indicate he only is seeking an Octagon return return.

Muhammad Mokaev Claims He Is Re-Signing With UFC Following Talks With ONE Championship, PFL Expressing Lack Of Interest

Following the PFL Playoffs card in Nashville on Friday, PFL President Ray Sefo was asked by Brett Cagle at the event’s post-fight press conference about the promotion’s interest in Mokaev. Sefo, however, seemed against the idea.

“I’ve spoken to people in the know and, apparently, he’s just a pain in the ass to deal with,” Sefo said. “And so, no, we’re not interested.”

This came following UFC CEO’s Dana White’s comments at the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, where he stated “the PFL is going to get a great undefeated fighter” as he announced the UFC was not looking to re-sign Mokaev following the conclusion of his contract.

A follow-up claim from Ben Davis stated that Mokaev had attempted to use the PFL as leverage in negotiations, contacting them before the expiration of his UFC contract in Manchester. That claim, however, has since been thrown into question, with Mokaev and his team branding it false.

Mokaev came out on social media in response to Sefo, claiming he was not going to sign with the PFL regardless and suggesting the the organization is trying to get out in front of things.

Mokaev was the source of controversy last week after a number of altercations with UFC 304 opponent Manel Kape. The pair went on to have an underwhelming battle at the event, with “The Punisher” getting a win via decision.

Continue Reading After PFL President Dismisses Pursuing ‘Pain In The Ass’ Muhammad Mokaev, ONE Reportedly Told He’s Re-Signing With UFC at MMA News.

Dakota Ditcheva wins with another first-round knockout, will face Talia Santos in the PFL Finals

Dakota Ditcheva Bishop PFL‘Dangerous’ Dakota Ditcheva continues her first-round knockout win streak in the PFL. With these wins, she will face former…

Dakota Ditcheva Bishop PFL

‘Dangerous’ Dakota Ditcheva continues her first-round knockout win streak in the PFL. With these wins, she will face former UFC contender Talia Santos in the PFL finals later this year. Last night at PFL 7, both Ditcheva and Santos won their matches but the English Ditcheva did so with an impressive finish.

Dakota Ditcheva vs. Jena Bishop Knockout Highlights

The UK-born Dakota Ditcheva was able to the finals of PFL Europe in 2023 with a first-round knockout finish. Once in the main PFL organization in 2024, she has now been able to defeat Lisa Mauldin, Chelsea Hackett, and Jena Bishop all by knockout in the first round.

Last night at PFL 7, she finished the skilled grappler Jena Bishop with a mix of knees, kicks, and punches.

With this win, Dakota Ditcheva will next face Talia Santos.

While speaking in an interview with me last year, the UK-born Dakota Ditcheva discussed her motivation and how she feels as though she does all of this for her mother. With world titles in karate, kickboxing, and Muay Thai Lisa Howarth raised Ditcheva with striking knowledge. Ditcheva explained:

“My striking has all come from my mum. And, even though I’ve got these amazing coaches now that are helping me, the coaches I’ve had along the way have just added and added to my game. All my fundamentals are from my mum. Everything was from her. She’s the woman that’s got me here for sure, and that’s just that skillset, mentally, everything. And, this belt will definitely be for her. She deserves it more than me. Sometimes I feel like I’m, I’m fighting for her, and that’s what motivates me.”

Talia Santos vs. Liz Carmouche Highlights

Also at PFL 7, the former UFC contender Talia Santos faced former Bellator champion Liz Carmouche. Brazil’s Santos was able to defeat Carmouche from bell to bell. Overall in 2024, Santos has defeated Jena Bishop, Ilara Joanne, and Carmouche. With these victories, Santos is set to face Ditcheva in the PFL finals for one million dollars.

Denis Goltsov extends KO win streak at PFL 7, set to face Oleg Popov in finals

Denis Goltsov Oleg Popov PFLRussia’s Denis Goltsov has punched his ticket to the PFL heavyweight finals with a first-round knockout of Timothy Johnson….

Denis Goltsov Oleg Popov PFL

Russia’s Denis Goltsov has punched his ticket to the PFL heavyweight finals with a first-round knockout of Timothy Johnson. In the finals, he will face Oleg Popov who is on an impressive 17-fight win streak and just coming off of a win against Linton Vassell.

Denis Goltsov vs. Timothy Johnson Highlights

Denis Goltsov and Timothy Johnson were both looking to compete for one million dollars in the final of the PFL. ‘The Russian Bogatyr’ had defeated Linton Vassell and Thiago Santos thus far in 2024 while the US-born Johnson got past Danilo Marques. It only took Goltsov two and a half minutes to put Johnson away with a combination of punches and Ground and Pound from the heavyweight at PFL 7.

The heavyweight Denis Goltsov has a background in Sambo and has earned multiple world and national title in the sport. In 2024 he has won all of his matches by way of KO/TKO. Next, he will face the Russian Oleg Popov.

Oleg Popov vs. Linton Vassell Highlights

The Russian heavyweight Oleg Popov was able to extend his win streak in MMA to 17 in a row with his recent victory over Linton Vassell at PFL 7. He has remained unbeaten since 2016 and has 2024 wins over Steve Mowry, Davion Franklin, and Vassell. With these wins, he will next compete in the PFL finals against the aforementioned Goltsov.

2024 PFL 7 Playoffs: Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson Results & Highlights (5:30 PM ET)

PFL kicks off its 2024 playoffs with matchups from the heavyweight and women’s flyweight divisions on Friday. MMA News has the results here! The promotion will host tonight’s event at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. In the main event, Denis Goltsov hopes to move to the final of the playoffs in a heavyweight […]

Continue Reading 2024 PFL 7 Playoffs: Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson Results & Highlights (5:30 PM ET) at MMA News.

PFL kicks off its 2024 playoffs with matchups from the heavyweight and women’s flyweight divisions on Friday. MMA News has the results here!

The promotion will host tonight’s event at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. In the main event, Denis Goltsov hopes to move to the final of the playoffs in a heavyweight matchup against Tim Johnson.

The Russian comes into the fight on a two-fight win streak and qualified atop the division standings with 10 points. In his last appearance, he swiftly defeated former UFC light heavyweight title contender Thiago Santos by TKO in the first round at PFL 4 on June 13. That said, Johnson isn’t an easy opponent to get past.

The former Bellator heavyweight contender is also coming into the fight on a winning streak with three straight victories. Johnson earned his spot in the playoffs by defeating Danilo Marques by TKO in the first round at PFL 4. Although Goltsov is favored to win, he’ll have to be mindful of the punching power of Johnson.

Elsewhere on the card, Dakota Ditcheva will take on Jena Bishop in a women’s flyweight bout in the co-main event. Bishop aims to rebound from her last defeat to Taila Santos and give her opponent the first loss of her career. However, she faces an uphill battle as Ditcheva has a significant height and reach advantage. DraftKings currently has the 12-0 women’s flyweight as the favorite to move on to the championship final.

The main card will start at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, while the preliminary card will kick the event off at 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT.

PFL 7: Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson Fight Card Results

(Fight Card Is Subject To Change)

Main card (ESPN+ & ESPN):

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

Preliminary card (ESPN+):

  • Heavyweight: Tyrell Fortune (14-2) vs. Sergey Bilostenniy (12-3)
  • Featherweight: Alexei Pergande (4-0) vs. Daniel Boehle (4-2)
  • Featherweight: Cody Law (8-2) vs. Zachary Hicks (9-5)
  • Catchweight(163lbs): Sergio Cossio (27-9-1) vs. Dedrek Sanders (8-4)
  • Catchweight(173lbs): Jaleel Willis (16-6) vs. Anthony Ivy (14-7)
  • Welterweight: Kevin Pease (5-0) vs. Nick Meck (7-1)

Continue Reading 2024 PFL 7 Playoffs: Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson Results & Highlights (5:30 PM ET) at MMA News.

2024 PFL 7 Playoffs Results & Highlights: Denis Goltsov TKOs Tim Johnson

PFL kicked off its 2024 playoffs on August 2 with matchups from the heavyweight and women’s flyweight divisions. MMA News has the results here! The promotion held the event at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. In the main event, Denis Goltsov moved to the final of the playoffs in a heavyweight matchup against […]

Continue Reading 2024 PFL 7 Playoffs Results & Highlights: Denis Goltsov TKOs Tim Johnson at MMA News.

PFL kicked off its 2024 playoffs on August 2 with matchups from the heavyweight and women’s flyweight divisions. MMA News has the results here!

The promotion held the event at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. In the main event, Denis Goltsov moved to the final of the playoffs in a heavyweight matchup against Tim Johnson.

The Russian took his opponent down within two minutes of the fight and got into full mount. Goltsov landed 22 ground strikes from the top position to get the TKO win.

Elsewhere on the card, Dakota Ditcheva faced Jena Bishop in a women’s flyweight bout in the co-main event. The fight lasted one round, with Ditcheva getting a TKO victory after landing a knee and a few punches to get the referee to step in.

PFL 7: Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson Fight Card Results

Main card (ESPN+ & ESPN):

  • Heavyweight: Denis Goltsov def. Tim Johnson via TKO: R1, 2:26
  • Women’s Flyweight: Dakota Ditcheva def. Jena Bishop via TKO: R1, 3:54
  • Heavyweight: Oleg Popov def. Linton Vassell via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
  • Women’s Flyweight: Taila Santos def. Liz Carmouche via Unanimous Decision (29-27×3)

Preliminary card (ESPN+):

  • Heavyweight: Sergey Bilostenniy def. Tyrell Fortune via Submission (Heel Hook): R1, 2:00
  • Featherweight: Alexei Pergande def. Daniel Boehle via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
  • Featherweight: Cody Law def. Zachary Hicks via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke): R1, 3:15
  • Catchweight(163lbs): Dedrek Sanders def. Sergio Cossio via KO: R1, 2:34
  • Catchweight(173lbs): Anthony Ivy def. Jaleel Willis via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke): R2, 4:49
  • Welterweight: Kevin Pease def. Nick Meck via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)

Main Card Highlights

Denis Goltsov def. Tim Johnson

Dakota Ditcheva def. Jena Bishop

Preliminary Card Highlights

Sergey Bilostenniy def. Tyrell Fortune

Cody Law def. Zachary Hicks

Dedrek Sanders def. Sergio Cossio

Anthony Ivy def. Jaleel Willis

Continue Reading 2024 PFL 7 Playoffs Results & Highlights: Denis Goltsov TKOs Tim Johnson at MMA News.