The fifth time actually was the attraction for Denis Goltsov.
The Russian lastly achieved his dream by profitable the heavyweight title to cap off the 2024 PFL World Championships with a shocking first-round submission over Oleg Popov.
After developing brief in 4 earlier seasons, Goltsov made probably the most of this chance after Popov opened the combat with a takedown however he instantly countered with the triangle choke from the underside. Goltsov readjusted his place and legs a number of occasions earlier than lastly locking within the submission and it wasnât till the referee lastly checked on Popov to know he was choked unconscious.
The top got here at 2:55 within the opening spherical.
âIâm actually blissful as a result of itâs my fifth time,â Goltsov mentioned after the win. âThis 12 months is superb as a result of I really feel my situation was significantly better than final 12 months.
âNow I feel I’m prepared and I need a huge combat. Perhaps subsequent 12 months you may see me within the cage once more. In fact, Francis Ngannou [is the fight].â
There was a second of concern after the combat as Goltsov instantly eliminated his gloves, which is commonly occasions the signal {that a} fighter is about to retire from the game. As an alternative, Goltsov was simply getting comfy to carry onto his $1 million examine with hopes that heâll now graduate into an excellent combat in 2025 after spending a number of years competing within the PFL season lengthy match.
As of now, Ngannou doesnât have an opponent so Goltsov may need simply nominated himself as the very best possibility when âThe Predatorâ returns subsequent 12 months.
