Preview: PFL 7 2024 | Heavyweight, Women’s Flyweight Playoffs

Heavyweight Semifinal

Oleg Popov (18-1, 2-0 PFL) vs Linton Vassell (24-9, 1-1 PFL)

Popov storms into the playoffs as the No. 2-seeded heavyweight after starching Steve Mowry within two rounds and then following it up with a unanimous decision win over Davion Franklin. At 32, Popov could be the most well-rounded threat in the field. He’s young, athletic, hungry and riding the momentum of a 16-fight winning streak. The Fedor Emelianenko protege is well-trained and disciplined, and he won’t force the issue. He’s prepared to win however he needs, and it’ll take a special fighter to deter him from the title shot. Vassell is one of those threats that you simply can’t send away. The 41-year-old Englishman has made a career by pushing the best to their peak. “Big Swarm” is a heavy puncher and a competent grappler, and the nine losses on his record can be misleading. He’s always in the fight. The problem? At this age, which Vassell will show up? Technically, he wasn’t supposed to make the playoffs but is stepping in for an injured Valentin Moldovsky, which is poetic justice of sorts considering Vassell defeated the Russian by split decision in his last fight. Although the PFL standings and brackets can lead to some head-scratching matchups, nobody can deny that Vassell will be a tough out for Popov. If Vassell hopes to pull this upset off, he’ll have to stick to an ironclad game plan. Popov has never been stopped, and he’s a very disciplined fighter. Winning exchanges and dictating the pace is a must, but Vassell hasn’t proved he has the tank to do that. If he doesn’t catch Popov early, he’s bound to dominate every aspect of the game. Although Vassell is a solid test, Popov looks to be the sharper, more polished fighter at this stage of their careers. However, the test will be valuable before he potentially advances to the championship.

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Goltsov vs. Johnson
Ditcheva vs. Bishop
Popov vs. Vassell
Santos vs. Carmouche
The Prelims