Outside Source
A longtime veteran of Bellator MMA, Popov was one of several fighters on the roster to join PFL last year, and he started his tenure off by going 3-0 and making it to the 2024 championship. He came up short in the final, losing to Denis Goltsov via first-round submission.
Popov would get back to his winning ways in the 2025 PFL Heavyweight World Tournament, getting back-to-back wins and cementing his place in the championship. After earning decision victories over Karl Williams and Rodrigo Nascimento, Popov is now set to face Alexandr Romanov in the tournament final. After plenty of success with the PFL, he doesn’t envision himself going anywhere else.
“I feel great getting the win, my health is wonderful, and I’m ready to go,” Popov said after his latest victory. “I’ve now gotten to the finals for a second time, that’s great for me. The PFL has been a wonderful organization, they have done everything good for me. Even if the UFC would offer me a contract, I don’t think I would go. I’m very happy with the PFL.”
Popov Avoiding Predictions Ahead of PFL Heavyweight Final
Popov is now just one win away from a becoming a tournament champion with the PFL. While he is determined to get his revenge, he’s not looking to make any predictions.
“I don’t want to think about it too much because last year, I made a prediction and then I fell asleep in the fight,” Popov said. “I don’t want to make any prediction, all I want to do is go out there and fight, and win the belt this year.”
When asked about his upcoming opponent in Romanov, Popov acknowledged the strong wrestling game from the UFC veteran. He knows it’s going to be a tough test to pass if he wants to become tournament champion.
“He’s a very strong wrestler and it’s going to be hard to train for and prepare for,” Popov said.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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