With the loss, Popov has a 17-fight winning streak snapped. The 2024 season marked Popov’s first in PFL after being imported from Bellator. Popov defeated Steve Mowry, Davion Franklin, and Vassell to earn Friday’s opportunity.

When Francis Ngannou defeated Renan Ferreira in the very first round back in October, fans were interested in who the PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion would fight next. And now, they might have their answer, with Denis Goltsov looking nothing short of superb in his clash with Oleg Popov.

Look out Francis Ngannou. Denis Goltzov is the latest PFL heavyweight champion looking for a shot at 'The Predator'. Goltzov came up against fellow Russian phen

The opening minute of the 2024 PFL heavyweight championship between Russia’s Denis Goltsov and Oleg Popov was going well for the younger Popov, who came in on a seventeen-fight winning streak. He landed a takedown with little resistance,

Check out these photos from Denis Goltsov's submission victory over Oleg Popov to win $1 million at 2024 PFL Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photos by Jose Peñuela, PFL MMA)

Who will Francis Ngannou fight next? It may come down to Denis Goltsov, who captured the PRL heavyweight championship by submitting Oleg Popov.