Corey Anderson took his wrestling experience from youth and has turned it into a successful career, including a reign as Bellator light heavyweight champion. Anderson, a jiu-jitsu black belt, has won 18 pro fights in his career, including victories over the likes of Jan Blachowicz, Ryan Bader, Glover Teixeira, Phil Davis, Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov, and Sean O’Connell. This is Anderson’s first fight since his light heavyweight title win over Karl Moore at the Bellator Champions Series event in Belfast in March 2024.

 

Denis Goltsov is a 44-fight veteran in MMA who holds championships in Combat Sambo at the Russian National, European, and World levels. Goltsov is one of the most celebrated names in the PFL, holding records for finishes and knockouts, as well as the fastest heavyweight finish in PFL history. After coming up just short in 2023, Goltsov defeated Thiago Santos, Linton Vassell, Timothy Johnson, and Oleg Popov to become the 2024 PFL Heavyweight World Champion.

 

Will Anderson score a major victory at heavyweight? Or will Goltsov continue his success in his first fight since finally becoming a PFL World Champion?

 

 

Round 1

 

Jabs from both men. Low kick from Goltsov, followed by a jab. Combination by Goltsov. Goltsov presses Anderson into the fence. Goltsov can’t get the trip, but he has complete control. Anderson turns things around, however, turning Goltsov into the fence before a brief clinch battle. Goltsov lands a solid uppercut before pressing Anderson into the fence. Goltsov can’t get the trip again. Knee by Goltsov. Anderson turns the position around. Anderson scores the takedown. Goltsov gets up, but Anderson still has a hold of the Russian.

 

Anderson tried for a mat return, but Goltsov barely holds himself up. Anderson continuing to work over Goltsov against the fence. Referee calls for more activity with 75 seconds left in the round. Goltsov turns things around and gets Anderson to the fence before separating. Jabs from both men. Goltsov with a left hand and a front kick. Anderson level changes and scores another takedown. Goltsov works his way to the feet. Goltsov tries for a trip but can’t get it. Anderson misses a spinning elbow before the round ends.

 

 

Round 2

 

Left hand from Anderson. Jab exchanges from both men. Left hand by Goltsov. One-two and a knee from Goltsov. Left hands from both men. Body shot by Anderson. Another body lock, and Anderson presses Goltsov against the fence briefly. Left jab from Goltsov. Anderson pressing Goltsov into the fence. Anderson throws a few knees before separation. Left jab by Anderson. Anderson with another press and takedown, with Goltsov looking drained.

 

Anderson gets right into full mount and starts to bring the ground-and-pound. Goltsov warned to move, and finally does so at the last second. But Anderson adjusts to side control and continues to deliver ground-and-pound. The ref steps in!

 

 

Corey Anderson gets the finish, looking impressive at heavyweight!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Corey Anderson def. Denis Goltsov via second-round TKO (punches, 3:28)