Sources: Denis Goltsov returns against Maxwell Djantou Nana at PFL Chicago

The Professional Fighters League has booked a heavyweight matchup for its Chicago event on October 16, pairing 2024 PFL heavyweight tournament champion Denis Goltsov against Maxwell Djantou Nana. The fight pairs two ranked contenders in the division.

Goltsov, a Russian heavyweight, is coming off a dominant performance at PFL Charlotte in 2026, where he dispatched Hasan Mezhiev via technical knockout in just 52 seconds. That victory marked his return to action after suffering a loss to Corey Anderson in July 2025. Prior to the Corey Anderson setback, Goltsov had compiled an impressive four-fight winning streak that culminated in his tournament championship run.

Djantou Nana has established himself as one of PFL Africa's rising prospects, posting a 4–1 record since joining the league and adding a lone appearance under the One Championship banner. Despite a loss to Justin Clarke in the 2025 championship, Nana remains undefeated in 2026, having earned a decision victory over Karl Williams and scoring a third-round technical knockout against Eduardo Neves earlier this month. The heavyweight bout will mark Nana's third appearance of the year.

PFL Chicago marks the promotion's second visit to the city in 2026. The event will be headlined by an undisputed women's flyweight title rematch between Liz Carmouche and Jena Bishop, the pair meeting again after Carmouche defeated Bishop during the 2025 PFL women's flyweight tournament.