Denis Alexandrovich Goltsov is a Russian sambo competitor, mixed martial artist, and former amateur boxer.
33 Facts About Denis Goltsov
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Denis Goltsov studied geology at Saint Petersburg State University but shifted his focus to combat sambo, joining a gym that specialized in mixed martial arts.
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Denis Goltsov's transition was highly successful: within three and a half years, he became the European champion in MMA and continued to secure victories on both national and international stages, making MMA his primary career by 2021.
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In sambo, Denis Goltsov won 11 Russian championship medals, including three gold.
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Denis Goltsov earned European Championship gold in 2012 and 2017 and achieved World Championship gold in 2016 and 2017, along with a silver medal in 2021.
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At the World Sambo Championships, Denis Goltsov won the gold medal in 2016 and 2017 and the silver medal in 2021.
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In 2010, Denis Goltsov made his debut in M-1 Global, later moving to ProFC.
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Denis Goltsov's journey took him through various organizations until he found success in Tech-Krep FC, where he scored four consecutive victories.
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Denis Goltsov made his PFL debut against Jared Rosholt on June 6,2019, at PFL 3.
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Denis Goltsov won the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round.
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Denis Goltsov faced Kelvin Tiller at PFL 6 on August 8,2019, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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Denis Goltsov won the bout via ezekiel choke in the second round.
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Denis Goltsov faced Satoshi Ishii in the 2019 heavyweight quarterfinal bout at PFL 9 on October 31,2019.
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Denis Goltsov lost the bout in the third round by technical knockout.
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Denis Goltsov faced Muhammed DeReese at PFL 3 on May 6,2021.
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Denis Goltsov had originally been scheduled to face Justin Willis on the card, but Willis was pulled from the bout after the weigh-ins due to being not medically cleared and replaced by DeReese.
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Denis Goltsov faced Brandon Sayles on June 25,2021, at PFL 6.
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Denis Goltsov faced Ante Delija on August 19,2021, at PFL 8.
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Denis Goltsov was scheduled to face Sam Kei on April 28,2022, at PFL 2.
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Denis Goltsov faced Maurice Greene on June 24,2022, at PFL 5.
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Denis Goltsov won the bout via unanimous decision, having out-wrestled Greene throughout the bout.
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Denis Goltsov was scheduled to face on 2021 PFL Champion Bruno Cappelozza on August 13,2022, at PFL 8.
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In turn, Denis Goltsov withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Danilo Marques.
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Denis Goltsov faced Cezar Ferreira on April 14,2023, at PFL 3.
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Denis Goltsov won the bout in the first round by knockout via ground and pound.
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Denis Goltsov faced Yorgan De Castro on June 16,2023, at PFL 5.
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Denis Goltsov won the bout by knockout just 18 seconds into the first round.
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Denis Goltsov won the fight by arm-triangle choke in the first round.
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Denis Goltsov faced Linton Vassell at PFL 1 on April 4,2024 and won the fight by technical knockout.
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Denis Goltsov was expected to face Sergei Bilostenniy at PFL 4 on June 13,2024.
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Denis Goltsov next faced Timothy Johnson in the semifinals of the 2024 Heavyweight tournament at PFL 7 on August 2,2024.
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Denis Goltsov won the bout via TKO in the first round.
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Denis Goltsov next faced Oleg Popov in the finals of the 2024 Heavyweight tournament at PFL 10 on November 29,2024 and won the tournament via a triangle choke submission in the first round.