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VIDEO: UFC Veteran Suffers 18-Second Knockout Loss To PFL Heavyweight

PFL 5 has a knockout of the night candidate.
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Heavyweight Denis Goltsov took on Yorgan De Castro at PFL 5 and the fight was over in a flash. Goltsov found De Castro with a devastating right hand in the first round that needed no follow-up shots.

The 18-second finish goes down as the fastest stoppage in PFL Heavyweight history.

The win locked up the number one seed for Goltsov in the PFL playoffs in the heavyweight division. He earned the maximum of 12 points in his two regular-season fights in 2023 with two first-round finishes. Goltsov downplayed the impressive result afterward.

“This is heavyweight and it’s very exciting. Anything can happen here. One lucky punch. Anything can happen. I am just happy that I’m here and for the win.”

After the fight, Goltsov was also asked about the PFL adding superstar heavyweight Francis Ngannou to the promotion.

“I think it’s great that he is here, but it’s also great motivation for all of the heavyweights. The opportunity can come to anyone.”

VIDEO: PFL 5 Fighter Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive with Massive Knockout

Goltsov has won four-straight fights and has given himself a chance to become the PFL Heavyweight Champion. The 33-year-old Russian may have to square off with 2022 heavyweight PFL champ Ante Delija to do it. Delija has fought in two-straight heavyweight finals and will also fight at PFL 5 in a matchup with Maurice Green.

Former UFC veteran De Castro will not be making the PFL playoffs after his second loss in the regular season. “The Mad Titan” scored zero points in his first season with the PFL, after winning three-straight fights under other promotions. 

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