Denis Goltsov vs Oleg Popov at 2024 PFL World Championship | Preview & Prediction
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We have heavyweight tournament final to get the main card underway as Denis Goltsov will meet Oleg Popov in what should be an explosive matchup
Denis Goltsov vs Oleg Popov Facts
When is 2024 PFL World Championship? UK – the preliminary card starts at 2:30pm on Friday 29th November 2024, followed by the main card at 6:00pm / USA – 9:30am/1:00pm ET and 6:30am/10:00am PT
Where is 2024 PFL World Championship? King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
How can I watch the 2024 PFL World Championship? UK – DAZN / USA – ESPN
What time are Denis Goltsov and Oleg Popov expected to walk out? 6.00pm UK / 1.00pm US ET / 10am US PT / 8.00pm local
2024 PFL World Championship Main Card
Brendan Loughnane vs Timur Khizriev (Featherweight)
Dakota Ditcheva vs Taila Santos (Women’s Flyweight)
Impa Kasanganay vs Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (Light Heavyweight)
Shamil Musaev vs Magomed Umalatov (Welterweight)
Brent Primus vs Gadzhi Rabadanov (Lightweight)
Denis Goltsov vs Oleg Popov (Heavyweight)
2024 PFL World Championship Prelims
Abdalrahman Alhyasat vs Abdullah Al-Qahtani (Featherweight)
Mohammad Alaqraa vs Omar El Dafrawy (Welterweight)
Hattan Alsaif vs Lilya Osmani (Women’s Atomweight)
Ali Taleb vs Rachid Haz (Bantamweight)
Mohsen Mohammadseifi vs Georges Eid (Lightweight)
Mansour Barnaoui vs Alfie Davis (Lightweight)
Slim Trabelsi vs Abraham Bably (Heavyweight)
Jesus Pinedo vs Jeremy Kennedy (Featherweight)
Asael Adjoudj vs Jose Perez (Featherweight)
Costello van Steenis vs Joao Vitor Dantas (Welterweight)
Denis Goltsov: Vet looking for fourth win of 2024
Denis Goltsov (35-8) has enjoyed a fantastic 2024 having won three fights already this year and he is now looking for number four. All three wins have come via knockout with the last two coming in the first round which is why Goltsov has been able to fight so frequently this year. The 43-fight veteran comes into this final having lost just once in the last three years and he will be fired up to get the W.
Oleg Popov: 32-year-old riding 17-fight win streak
Oleg Popov (19-1) has also fought his way through three fights in 2024 to reach this final and the Russian 32-year-old has won his last 17 fights. His bouts have not been quite as explosive as Goltsov’s as he has won his last two by decision but nine of his 19 career wins have come by knockout so he does possess some power. A member of FedorTeam, Popov has excellent wrestling and that will surely be the foundation for his approach against Goltsov here.
Denis Goltsov vs Oleg Popov Prediction
This is a fascinating match-up between two powerful Russian heavyweights who have contrasting styles. Goltsov is very much the more explosive one of the pair and will be looking for the knockout. Popov will use his wrestling to nullify Goltsov’s threat and gain control of the bout.
The betting is understandably incredibly close with Popov the marginal favourite and that is understandable. If he can handle Goltsov’s significant height and reach advantage, expect him to get this fight to the ground.
Of course, Goltsov has a serious punchers’ chance, but we like Popov’s rounded skillset and just lean towards him to get the win in this one.
Prediction: Oleg Popov to win
