The first of three PFL playoff events takes place on Friday, August 2 from Nashville, TN. The heavyweights and women's flyweights are up first and will fight for their spot in the PFL Finals which takes place later this year.
In the main event of the card, Denis Goltsov takes on Tim Johnson, and Oleg Popov and Linton Vassell face off earlier in the evening. Here's what each main event fighter needs to do in the hope of getting their hand raised on Friday night.
Denis Goltsov's keys to victory
Wrestle, wrestle, wrestle
It seems like a no-brainer to tell a two-time world champion, two-time European champion, and three-time Russian champion in Sambo to wrestle, but stranger things have happened. He needs to stick with what he knows best. There are no points on the line it's win and advance so he doesn't need to do anything flashy or quick.
Remain confident
Goltsov is the heavy favorite to win the entire tournament this year and he needs to remember that. His confidence and poise could help him cruise to an easy win.
Tim Johnson's keys to victory
Avoid the takedown
Johnson also has a background in wrestling but, in this case, we'll want him to use his defense to keep the fight on their feet and hope for a finish like his fight with Danilo Marques.
Take risks
Johnson isn't supposed to even be in the finals; he was a sort of replacement who advanced to the playoffs. He can take the risks, he has nothing to lose at this point. He's a huge underdog and needs to go for broke if he hopes for an upset.