Denis Goltsov vs Linton Vassell Prediction: Everything will be decided by details

Prediction for the PFL 1: season 2024 Denis Goltsov vs Linton Vassell fight which will take place on April 5th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Denis Goltsov is one of the top Russian heavyweights who has come close to the title several times. He has reached the PFL semifinals three times and made it to the finals last year, where he lost by technical knockout to Renan Ferreira (the same huge Brazilian who later knocked out Ryan Bader).

Denis is an established fighter with no apparent weaknesses and an excellent amateur base. He is an honored Master of Sport in Sambo, a Master of Sport in Boxing, a two-time World Combat Sambo Champion, and a former ASF (which later became the ASA) League Champion. He's been competing in the PFL since 2019 and named one of the favorites every year. Hopefully, he'll make it this year.

Linton Vassell is a former UCMMA champion who fought for the Bellator belt twice, losing both times (2014 to Emanuel Newton via submission and 2017 to Ryan Bader via TKO).

He's now 40 years old but still has some firepower left in his tank. Vassel is currently riding a five-fight winning streak (four by knockout) after knocking out Sergey Kharitonov and Valentin Moldavsky.

Both fighters are experienced and versatile and like ending fights early. It's hard to say how the fight will go, but the younger and more motivated Russian will probably set the tone.

Denis Goltsov is at the peak of his form, which can't be said for Vassell, who has had a rather severe layoff (more than a year) and will need time to feel the cage. The skill level of the competitors is about the same, and everything will be decided by details - whoever makes a mistake faster will be finished.