Preview: PFL 8 ‘Ferreira vs. Greene’

Heavyweights

Denis Goltsov (31-7, 9-2 PFL) vs. Jordan Heiderman (7-0, 1-0 PFL)

It is a study in contrasts for this matchup, as Goltsov, one of the PFL’s most experienced heavyweights, takes on Heiderman, who punched his ticket to the postseason thanks to an injury suffered by opponent Patrick Brady in the opening round of their PFL 5 bout. Heiderman entering the playoffs following his league debut may seem unusual, but it is a product of the organization’s point system.

Goltsov rolled through the regular season, scoring first-round knockouts of Yorgan De Castro and Cezar Ferreira. The combat sambo champion did as expected in those bouts, and in PFL competition, his only defeats have come to former champions Ante Delija and Ali Isaev. Goltsov typically works behind a skilled jab and a variety of kicks before closing the distance, where he is adept at landing trips or throws to get his opponent to the mat. He is a good offensive wrestler, whether it is methodically advancing position for submissions or creating openings to land ground-and-pound.

Heiderman is a former collegiate defensive lineman who competed on Season 30 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” where he fell to current UFC talent Zac Pagua in the semifinals. There is not much to learn from his win over Brady, though he was absorbing a fair amount of low kicks before the fight ended. The Bomb Squad product matches up well with Goltsov physically and he appears to be a good athlete with a solid array of submissions. If he can force Goltsov to defend against clinches and takedowns as the aggressor, he might be able to upend the favorite.

This is a dangerous matchup for Goltsov due to the unknown, but his experience and skill should be able to carry him to victory against an unheralded foe. The Russian might take a conservative approach, but he should be able to at least earn a decision win.

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Ferreira vs. Greene
Pacheco vs. Kolesnyk
Goltsov vs. Heiderman
Mokhnatkina vs. Leibrock
Kelly vs. Nelson
The Prelims