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.

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,

Denis Goltsov finally broke through and became a million-dollar winner with a slick first-round submission victory over Oleg Popov to kick off the PFL World

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)

PFL 2024 Championships kicks off with a fight between Denis Goltsov and Oleg Popov Check out our PFL pick for Goltsov-Popov prediction.

Denis Goltsov submitted Oleg Popov to become the 2024 PFL heavyweight champion, setting himself up for a possible Francis Ngannou fight.

Denis Goltsov and Oleg Popov meet Saturday for the heavyweight $1 million title at the 2024 PFL Championship. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup.

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.