PFL News & FeaturesPFL Heavyweight Finalist Oleg Popov Not Interested in Move to UFC
For the second time in as many years, Oleg Popov
is back in a championship spotlight in the
Professional Fighters League’s heavyweight division.
A longtime veteran of Bellator MMA, Popov was one of several fighters on the roster to join PFL last year, and he started his tenure off by going 3-0 and making it to the 2024 championship. He came up short in the final, losing to Denis Goltsov via first-round submission.
Popov would get back to his winning ways in the 2025 PFL
Heavyweight World Tournament, getting back-to-back wins and
cementing his place in the championship. After earning decision
victories over Karl
Williams and Rodrigo
Nascimento, Popov is now set to face Alexandr Romanov in the
tournament final. After plenty of success with the PFL, he doesn’t
envision himself going anywhere else.
Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament Finals LIVE Friday, Aug. 1 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+
Popov is now just one win away from a becoming a tournament champion with the PFL. While he is determined to get his revenge, he’s not looking to make any predictions.
“I don’t want to think about it too much because last year, I made a prediction and then I fell asleep in the fight,” Popov said. “I don’t want to make any prediction, all I want to do is go out there and fight, and win the belt this year.”
When asked about his upcoming opponent in Romanov, Popov acknowledged the strong wrestling game from the UFC veteran. He knows it’s going to be a tough test to pass if he wants to become tournament champion.
“He’s a very strong wrestler and it’s going to be hard to train for and prepare for,” Popov said.
A longtime veteran of Bellator MMA, Popov was one of several fighters on the roster to join PFL last year, and he started his tenure off by going 3-0 and making it to the 2024 championship. He came up short in the final, losing to Denis Goltsov via first-round submission.
Advertisement
Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament Finals LIVE Friday, Aug. 1 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+
“I feel great getting the win, my health is wonderful, and I’m
ready to go,” Popov said after his latest victory. “I’ve now gotten
to the finals for a second time, that's great for me. The PFL has
been a wonderful organization, they have done everything good for
me. Even if the UFC would offer me a contract, I don’t think I
would go. I’m very happy with the PFL.”
Popov Avoiding Predictions Ahead of PFL Heavyweight Final
Popov is now just one win away from a becoming a tournament champion with the PFL. While he is determined to get his revenge, he’s not looking to make any predictions.
“I don’t want to think about it too much because last year, I made a prediction and then I fell asleep in the fight,” Popov said. “I don’t want to make any prediction, all I want to do is go out there and fight, and win the belt this year.”
When asked about his upcoming opponent in Romanov, Popov acknowledged the strong wrestling game from the UFC veteran. He knows it’s going to be a tough test to pass if he wants to become tournament champion.
“He’s a very strong wrestler and it’s going to be hard to train for and prepare for,” Popov said.
« Previous Ronnie Gibbs an 'Underdog with Teeth' in PFL Upset Win Over Biaggio Ali Walsh
Next Antonio Carlos Jr. Grateful to Have Second Championship Opportunity with PFL »
More
