Preview: PFL 4 2024

Heavyweights

Denis Goltsov (33-8, 11-3 UFC) vs. Thiago Santos (22-12, 0-1 PFL)

Goltsov took his first step toward returning to the heavyweight final with a third-round finish of Linton Vassell in the season opener. Despite the win, Goltsov’s performance left a lot to be desired. “The Russian Bogatyr” was dominated by Vassell throughout most of the first round, but the tide turned when Vassell quickly faded. From the second round on, Vassell looked like a corpse in the cage, but Goltsov lacked the life to put him away. His stamina was poor, and despite being in a superior position, he couldn’t muster enough energy to ground-and-pound him into the canvas. Eventually, referee Kerry Hatley stopped the contest once it became clear that Vassell wouldn’t even defend himself from Goltsov’s pitiful arm punches. Goltsov expected to redeem himself in a firefight with fellow Russian Sergey Bilostenniy, whose heavy hands would have made for a war on the feet. Still, the fans will be left wondering what could’ve been after a former UFC light heavyweight contender in Santos replaced Bilostenniy. At one time, Santos was considered one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. With knockout wins over Anthony Smith, Jimi Manuwa and Jan Blachowicz, Santos was primed to face Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title. Santos fought valiantly and dropped a split decision, but the damage he sustained in that fight would change his career forever. Santos tore his ACL, MCL, PCL and both meniscuses and suffered a cracked tibia in his fight with Jones. Just returning to fighting was a victory, but Santos hasn’t been the same since. He has lost five of his last six, and at 40 years old, he’s making a desperate attempt at a fresh start moving to heavyweight. Goltsov’s gas tank was poor in the first round, but he should be fresh and ready to fight in this assignment. The St. Petersburg, Russia, pummeler has 27 finishes on his ledger and usually knows how to find the other gear when he needs it. However, with only four points to his name in the standings, Goltsov can’t afford to play with his food. Santos is on the last leg of his career, off the couch and coming into a new weight class. If Goltsov can’t find a finish here, the playoffs might not be in the cards for him this season.

Jump To »
Moldavsky vs. Vassell
Ditcheva vs. Hackett
Goltsov vs. Santos
Carmouche vs. Watanabe
The Prelims