According to former UFC welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy, who heads the PFL’s European operations, the winner of this fight will be a prime candidate to fight former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, who plans to make his UFC debut next year.
“They are obvious options for us and I think they could both be an interesting challenge for Ngannou – especially Goltsov with his experience,” the Brit told MMAJunkie. “He’s got great footwork, great boxing skills, and probably the best jab in mixed martial arts. I think he’s a very serious opponent for Ngannou, especially considering the fact that he has a ground game that he can utilize.”
“Goltsov’s opponent has the nickname ‘The Problem’, which speaks for itself. He is a problem on many levels. He is now training at the ATT club and his skills in the parterre are getting better. This will give him confidence in the stand up. Also worth considering is his size, arm span and ability to shorten the distance with accurate strikes, whether it’s arm or leg kicks”
“They are both very dangerous individuals and are great opponents for Ngannou. Whoever wins will be a prime candidate to fight him.”
A few days earlier, the head of the PFL, Donn Davis, revealed that Predator’s opponent in the league could be former WBC heavyweight boxing champion, Deontay Wilder, who would fight the Cameroonian under hybrid rules.
Francis Ngannou, who left the UFC as a free agent earlier this year, made his professional boxing debut in late October, losing a ten round split decision to Tyson Fury, knocking out the reigning world champion in the third round.