UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Denis Goltsov I had no problems with handling Thiago Santos.
Goltsov (34-8) needed less than three minutes to knock out Santos (22-13-1) in their heavyweight fight on Thursday at Mohegan Sun’s 2024 PFL 4.
Santos stepped in to replace Sergey Bilostenniy in what was his heavyweight debut.
“He really didn’t feel that strong,” Goltsov told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at the post-fight meeting. “Once I was like a backpack on him and controlled him, I was able to really ride him, control him and be on top. I’ve always been in a good position.”
Goltsov wasn’t bothered by the opponent’s change.
“It’s something I’m used to,” Goltsov said. “They always change opponents two, three times. It doesn’t matter.”
With the submission, Goltsov secured first place in the heavyweight playoffs. But having failed to claim the $1 million on multiple occasions, the 34-year-old won’t be too excited just yet.
“I’m speaking as a true PFL veteran: it doesn’t really matter,” Goltsov said. “The first fights don’t mean anything. You just have to go. The first fights don’t matter. You have to go and win and show everything you can do.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to 2024 PFL 4.
