The fifth time actually was the allure 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 struggle 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 wasn’t till the referee lastly checked on Popov to know he was choked unconscious.
The top got here at 2:55 within the opening spherical.
“I’m actually blissful as a result of it’s my fifth time,” Goltsov mentioned after the win. “This yr is superb as a result of I really feel my situation was significantly better than final yr.
“Now I believe I’m prepared and I desire a large struggle. Perhaps subsequent yr you’ll be able to see me within the cage once more. After all, Francis Ngannou [is the fight].”
There was a second of concern after the struggle as Goltsov instantly eliminated his gloves, which is usually occasions the signal {that a} fighter is about to retire from the game. As a substitute, Goltsov was simply getting comfy to carry onto his $1 million test with hopes that he’ll now graduate into a brilliant struggle in 2025 after spending a number of years competing within the PFL season lengthy match.
As of now, Ngannou doesn’t have an opponent so Goltsov might need simply nominated himself as the absolute best choice when “The Predator” returns subsequent yr.
