Professional Fighters League, in its ambitious pursuit of
global expansion and a bold stride towards bolstering the brand, is
set to host the inaugural spectacle of the 2024 season: PFL 1. The
first regular-season event of the year includes fights
predominantly in the heavyweight and women's flyweight divisions.
The event is set to grace the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San
Antonio, Texas, on April 4. Among the marquee attractions set to
offer an exciting blend of skill and spectacle, the co-main event
slot pits Russian combat sports dynamo
Denis
Goltsov against longtime
Bellator
MMA heavyweight and light heavyweight contender
Linton
Vassell.
Goltsov is known far and wide for his sambo expertise and laurels,
where he has been a two-time world champion, two-time European
champion and a three-time Russian champion. “The Russian Bogatyr”
fell short on his bid to claim victory in the PFL heavyweight
tournament in 2023, succumbing via TKO to
Renan
Ferreira in the finals at PFL 10. Meanwhile, Vassell enters the
upcoming fight riding a five-fight win streak in Bellator, which
includes four finishes.
Before the heavyweights take center stage, we delve into some
pivotal numbers that offer a comprehensive preview of the upcoming
bout:
32: Goltsov has collected 32 victories in 40 professional fights
since turning pro in 2010.
15: The Russian boasts 15 wins by KO/TKO, a testament to his raw
strength and overall skillset.
11: With 11 submission victories, the 33-year-old brings a solid
ground game built around his renowned sambo skills.
0:18: /strong> Goltsov recorded the fastest victory of his
career in June 2023 when he folded
Yorgan De
Castro with a first-round KO in mere 18 seconds.
23: /strong> Vassell has 23 professional victories in 32 fights
since he turned professional in 2008.
10: /strong> “Big Swarm” has rattled off 10 of those victories
by KO/ TKO which speaks volumes about his striking prowess.
8: /strong> With 8 submission victories on his record, Vassell
has consistently leveraged his comprehensive skillset to overcome
his adversaries.
0:48: Vassell clocked a submission victory over
Svajunas
Siacuila in a mere 48 seconds, which remains his fastest
victory to date.