A protege of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, Oleg Popov has a Master of Sports in hand-to-hand combat and has quickly made his name in the heavyweight ranks. Popov, in fact, has not lost a fight since November 2016 (the sole loss of his professional career), and his 16-fight win streak is the longest active win streak in heavyweight MMA today. After a win over Gokhan Saricam in Bellator, Popov scored a finish of Steve Mowry in April and a decision over Davion Franklin to reach tonight’s playoff battle.

 

After capturing light heavyweight titles on the UK regional scene, Linton Vassell went on to become a notable name in Bellator. The Kill Cliff product competed in the Bellator cage 17 times and has found a rebirthing in recent years at heavyweight. Vassell, who has 18 finishes in his career, has won six of his last seven fights. Vassell lost to Denis Goltsov in April but rebounded with a win over Valentin Moldavsky in their trilogy bout in June – getting the opportunity to compete in the postseason after Moldavsky was forced out of the postseason due to injury.

 

Who will land the first spot in the heavyweight title fight this fall?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Popov. Low kick from Popov again. Right hand from Vassell. Popov lands a hook. Vassell grabs a leg. Round kick by Popov. Low kick from Vassell. Popov goes for a single-leg takedown, and he gets it in spite of Popov’s attempts. Vassell manages to work his way back to his feet and bring him toward the fence. Popov reverses the position. Popov steps across and trips Vassell up for another takedown. Vassell scrambles back to his feet. Popov scores another takedown with Vassell against the fence.

 

 

Vassell, however, looks to get on top with his limbs and find a submission. Popov, however, gets right back on top and looks for control of Vassell’s back. Popov gets Vassell back down twice. Vassell looks for a guillotine, but Popov escapes it. Vassell landing hammerfists from the seated position he is in. Vassell works his way back to the feet and lands punches, but Popov maintains his control. Popov gets in one more takedown before the horn.

 

 

Round 2

 

Vasell misses a left hand. Popov lands a solid right hand. One-two from Popov. Vassell misses a high kick. Left hand by Popov. Popov grabs a leg and gets another takedown, but Vassell looks to attack the neck again. Popov’s pressure is too much, however, and he gets right into top position. Vassell is back on the feet and Popov goes for another takedown attempt. Vassell looks for a kimura hold but ends up letting go and Popov gets another takedown. Vassell gets back to the feet.

 

Popov gets another takedown and easily postures out of Vassell’s attempts to get a triangle in. Popov has a hold of Vassell and isn’t letting go as Vassell is pressed up against the fence on the ground. Vassell tries to throw some punches, but it’s no use. Popov landing a few left hands of his own. Vassell gets to his feet and is quickly brought back down once more by Popov with about 30 seconds left in the round.

 

 

Round 3

 

Left hand from Vassell. Low kick from Popov. Popov staying out of Vassell’s range as Vassell looks to land. Jab by Popov, and he goes right for another takedown, his 10th of the fight, scoring it with ease. Popov landing left hands to the body of Vassell. Vassell fires his own punches, but it doesn’t seem to do any good against Popov’s pressure. Vassell is back to his feet, but he’s still in Popov’s grasp. Popov returns Vassell to the mat once more.

 

Popov is in Vassell’s guards, with not much activity other than some short shots from Popov to the body of Vassell. Popov gets a hold of Vassell’s back while in side control. Vassell not putting up much of an attempt to stop Popov’s shots. Vassell looks to get back to his feet and does so with just over 30 seconds left. And then three seconds later, Vassell is back on the ground. Popov smothering Vassell with pressure as the fight ends, dominating the former Bellator title challenger with his wrestling.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Oleg Popov defeats Linton Vassell by unanimous decision (30-27x3) in the PFL Heavyweight Semifinals, clinching a spot in the 2024 PFL World Championship

  • Popov will face the winner of Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson for the 2024 PFL Heavyweight Title
  • Popov extends his winning streak to 17 straight, the longest active HW win streak in all of MMA
  • Popov is now 19-1