WASHINGTON, D.C. – The PFL is set to crown its next $1 million heavyweight champion on Friday.
No. 1 seed Denis Goltsov (32-7) will face off against No. 2 Renan Ferreira (11-4) in the heavyweight season championship at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
Read on for an in-depth look at the matchup – from its origins and buildup to the final fight, with stats, photos, preview videos, highlight videos, quotes, recaps, and more.
This story will be updated throughout the event and fight.
How we got here
Goltsov began the season with a first-round knockout of Cezar Ferreira, followed by a one-punch KO of Yorgan De Castro in just 18 seconds. In the semifinals, he submitted Jordan Heiderman for his third consecutive first-round win.
Ferreira’s debut was a loss to Rizvan Kuniev, which was overturned to a no contest. Though he bounced back with a 50-second win over Matheus Scheffel, and a first-round TKO of Maurice Greene in the semifinals.
Denis Goltsov vs. Renan Ferreira: Weigh-ins
Fight Day messages
Final betting odds
Goltsov closed as a -270 favorite, with Ferreira at +220.
Denis Goltsov vs. Renan Ferreira: The fight
Records: Goltsov (32-7), Ferreira (11-4)
Round 1: Goltsov dominated on the ground and outstruck Ferreira in the round.
Round 2: Ferreira delivered an early knockout, securing a $1 million victory cheque, just 26 seconds into the round.
The aftermath
PFL and Bellator are set for an upcoming champion battle following their merger, and that entails a bout between Ferreira and Bellator heavyweight, Ryan Bader, a former light heavyweight champ.
Winner post-fight interview
Stay tuned …
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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