Corey Anderson is set to make his long-awaited return to the PFL cage this Saturday, marking his first heavyweight bout in over a decade. He`ll be facing the 2024 PFL champion, Denis Goltsov.
The former Bellator light heavyweight champion has endured a frustrating 16-month period of inactivity, awaiting a fight booking from the PFL. His anticipated January trilogy fight against Vadim Nemkov was canceled, prolonging his time on the sidelines.
Upon learning the PFL offered a heavyweight opportunity, Anderson didn`t hesitate. After his longest career break since 2013, he was simply eager to get back to action, regardless of the opponent.
Anderson recounted his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, offering the heavyweight fight.
“I didn`t really think,” Anderson stated, “I said I`ll take it.”
Despite his manager`s surprise, Anderson committed before researching his opponent. Later that night, a wave of nervousness hit him after realizing Goltsov`s significant size. However, this anxiety quickly transformed into excitement as he began studying his formidable opponent.
Anderson admitted a lack of compelling options at light heavyweight, making the jump to heavyweight an appealing and fresh challenge. He found the pre-fight nervousness exhilarating, a feeling absent from potential 205-pound matchups. With Vadim Nemkov`s departure, Anderson felt a “fear” or a true “what if” factor was missing from the remaining light heavyweight contenders, seeing no truly new or unpredictable opponents.
While every fight carries risk and reward, a dominant performance against Goltsov could significantly elevate Anderson`s standing, particularly if he commits to the heavyweight division.
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion and arguably PFL`s most high-profile signing, has only competed once for the promotion with no clear timeline for his next appearance. Anderson, while unaware of Ngannou`s immediate plans, expressed strong interest in a potential fight if the PFL makes it happen.
Anderson voiced uncertainty regarding Ngannou`s status, noting PFL`s promotion of “PFL Africa” alongside rumors of Ngannou`s coach discussing a potential UFC return. He questioned if Ngannou remains a viable opponent within the PFL. For Anderson, the decision is clear:
“As long as the money makes sense, I`m all about it. That`s where I`m at in this career. Getting belts and checks, that`s it.”
Indeed, the heavyweight division might present more lucrative opportunities for Anderson compared to the existing pool of light heavyweight contenders.
He pondered the state of the Bellator heavyweight title following Ryan Bader`s departure, noting the PFL`s stated intention for tournament winners to fight the heavyweight champion. Anderson also pointed out that last year`s PFL champion was slated to fight a 205-pounder this year (Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov, whom Anderson has already defeated). This raises questions about potential future matchups if he retains his unofficial 205-pound champion status after a win.
For the immediate future, Anderson`s sole focus remains on his upcoming challenge against Denis Goltsov.
Should Anderson deliver a dominant or decisive victory over Goltsov this Saturday, he anticipates a flood of new and exciting opportunities. Whether that`s a clash with Ngannou or another significant bout, Anderson is resolute in pursuing any challenge that aligns with his long-term ambitions of securing championships and increasing his earnings.
“We`re going to prepare for this and we`ll see what happens,” Anderson stated.
He`s ready for any scenario, whether it`s a return to 205 pounds or a direct shot at the heavyweight belt or even a “super fight” against Francis. His ultimate driver is financial:
“If it don`t make money, it don`t make sense.”
He confirmed the Goltsov fight was accepted due to a favorable contract, making it “100 percent well worth it.”
Oliver Croft 
Neville Whittle