Denis Goltsov Values Legacy Over Money in Quest for PFL Championship

While Denis Goltsov might be one of the most experienced competitors in the PFL heavyweight field, he knows that can be overrated in the big man’s division.

“Of course it’s nice to have that (experience),” Goltsov said through an interpreter during a PFL virtual media day. “However, in a fight one punch can change the outcome of everything, especially at heavyweight. I just have to do my job and concentrate on getting the win.”

Goltsov will square off against Yorgan De Castro at PFL 5 on Friday at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta. The main card airs on ESPN and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while the prelims stream on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Goltsov vs. De Castro is currently slated for the preliminary portion of the event.

Golstov is sitting pretty for a postseason birth following a first-round finish of Cezar Ferreira at PFL 3. The 33-year-old Russian is well aware of the challenges his upcoming opponent, a UFC veteran, will present.

“For me it’s not a big deal that somebody fought in UFC or any other big organization,” Goltsov said. “I’ve seen his fights, I know his strength. He throws heavy shots. I’m going to fight accordingly. I’m going to put my will and fight my game.”

While Goltsov has been successful during his PFL tenure — he owns an 8-2 mark in the league — he has also dealt with numerous bout cancellations during his stint, including a couple during the first leg of the regular season. That has led to him changing his focus during training camps.

“In my experience, it [has] happened to me many times with changes and last minute opponents,” he said. “I’m not trying to prepare for an individual person with individual skills. I look at the bigger, brighter picture … I’m working all my aspects and preparing accordingly for everything.”

So far, Golstov has come up short in his quest to win a PFL heavyweight championship. The former Absolute Championship Berkut title holder figures to be one of the favorites going forward, and while the $1 million prize is appealing, the accomplishment of actually winning the crown would mean more to “The Russian Bogatyr.”

“For me personally, becoming a world champion in PFL means a lot more than the money,” he said. “Money, today you have it, tomorrow you spend it. But the legacy is going to stay with my last name, is going to stay with my kids …”

If Golstov does emerge as the heavyweight champion, he plans to keep the same approach that got him to this point.

“Of course, winning $1 million would be a huge accomplishment,” he said. “I’ve seen some fighters previously winning the money and spend the money. For me nothing is gonna change. I plan on staying the same, working hard, fighting. One day all of us have to retire. When that day happens, I want to retire on top of the horse, not underneath.”