While Denis Goltsov may be one of the most experienced competitors in the PFL heavyweight division, he knows that can be overrated in the big man division.
Of course, it’s good that you get this (experience),” Goltsov said through an interpreter during a virtual media day at the PFL. “However, in a fight one punch can change the outcome of everything, especially in heavyweights. I just have to do my job and focus on winning.”
Goltsov will meet Jorgan de Castro in PFL 5 on Friday at the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta. The main card airs on ESPN and ESPN+ at 10pm ET / 7pm PT, while the primetime shows air on ESPN+ starting at 6:30pm ET / 3:30pm PT. Goltsov vs de Castro is currently scheduled for the preliminary part of the event.
Gostov is sitting pretty in the postseason delivery after a first-round finish of Cesar Ferreira in PFL 3. The 33-year-old Russian is well aware of the challenges his next opponent, the UFC veteran, will present.
“For me, it’s not a big deal that someone fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship or any other big organization,” said Goltsov. “I have seen his fights, and I know his strength. He throws heavy shots. I will fight accordingly. I will put my will and fight my game.”
While Goltsov has been successful during his tenure in the PFL—he owns an 8-2 mark in the league—he also handled several eliminations during his tenure, including a couple during the first leg of the regular season. This caused him to change his focus during the training camps.
“In my experience, it is [has] It happened to me a few times with changes and with last minute opponents,” he said. “I don’t try to prepare for someone with individual skills. I look at the bigger and brighter picture… I am working on all my sides and preparing accordingly for everything.”
To date, Golstov has failed in his quest to win the PFL Heavyweight Championship. Former Absolute Championship reigning Berkut figures will be one of the favorites moving forward, and while the $1 million prize is attractive, actually winning the crown will mean more for the “Russian Bogatyr”.
“For me personally,” he said, “becoming a PFL world champion means a lot more than money.” “Money, today you have it, and tomorrow you spend it. But the legacy will remain with my family name, and it will remain with my children…”
If Golstov emerges as a heavyweight champion, he plans to keep the same approach that got him to this point.
“Of course, winning a million dollars would be a huge achievement,” he said. “I’ve seen some fighters make money before and spend money. For me nothing will change. I plan to stay the same, work hard, and fight. One day we all have to retire. When that day happens, I want to retire on top of the horse, not under it.”