The fifth time really was the charm for Denis Goltsov.

The Russian finally achieved his dream by winning the heavyweight title to cap off the 2024 PFL World Championships with a stunning first-round submission over Oleg Popov.

After coming up short in four previous seasons, Goltsov made the most of this opportunity after Popov opened the fight with a takedown but he immediately countered with the triangle choke from the bottom. Goltsov readjusted his position and legs several times before finally locking in the submission and it wasn’t until the referee finally checked on Popov to know he was choked unconscious.

The end came at 2:55 in the opening round.

“I’m really happy because it’s my fifth time,” Goltsov said after the win. “This year is very good because I feel my condition was much better than last year.

“Now I think I am ready and I want a big fight. Maybe next year you can see me in the cage again. Of course, Francis Ngannou [is the fight].”

There was a moment of concern after the fight as Goltsov immediately removed his gloves, which is often times the sign that a fighter is about to retire from the sport. Instead, Goltsov was just getting comfortable to hold onto his $1 million check with hopes that he’ll now graduate into a super fight in 2025 after spending several years competing in the PFL season long tournament.

As of now, Ngannou doesn’t have an opponent so Goltsov might have just nominated himself as the best possible option when “The Predator” returns next year.