Exclusive: Oleg Popov ready for the PFL Heavyweight World Tournament final

Defeated in the final of the last PFL Heavyweight World Tournament final by Denis Goltsov, Oleg Popov (21-2) will have another chance on 21 August. DAZN News spoke with the Russian finalist. « The last final, the early year, was not my plan at the beginning because when I put down Denis, I wasn’t prepared. But this time, I’m ready, and I will not be defeated in this fight. After the last fight with Denis, I understood I must be more careful, not push in the first round, but begin more powerful in the second round. »

He is coming off a unanimous decision victory last June against former UFC fighter Rodrigo Nascimento. His next challenge will be against another former UFC veteran, Alexander Romanov. Romanov is coming off a no-contest in the semi-finals after an accidental knee strike to the groin by Valentin Moldavsky, which knocked out his compatriot. Oleg Popov spoke about his next opponent and his plans to win quickly. « Alexander Romanov is a big, strong opponent, very big. First round, very hard, but I think all distance, all around this fight, not all rounds. This fight will finish early, maybe second maybe third round. »

When asked about what comes next in the event of a victory, he explained that he wants to focus on the final before his next fight. « For this fight, I don’t have a plan for what I will do after the final. I must win, and then I will understand what to do because in the last final, I had a plan after the fight and slept in the fight. That's why I didn't have a plan after the fight. I must win, then I will have a plan. First of all, I must win this fight. Then I won't fight with Denis, also. Then maybe fight with Ngannou. »