Denis Goltsov delivered one of the most ruthless finishes of 2026.

The 2024 PFL heavyweight tournament winner ended Hasan Mezhiev's undefeated status with a vicious kick to close out the preliminary card of PFL Charlotte, which took place Friday at Bojangles Coliseum in North Carolina. Goltsov (37-9) tagged Mezhiev (14-1) early, pushed him to create distance, and then blasted him with a kick to the face that sent Mezhiev stumbling down to the canvas.

This was Goltsov's first fight since losing to Corey Anderson in July 2025. This was also Goltsov's 19th career KO win.

You can watch Goltsov's vicious finish in the video below:

DON'T BLINK

DENIS GOLTSOV FIRST ROUND DOMINATION 😱#PFLCharlotte | 📺 Prelims LIVE NOW on the ESPN App | Main Card 10PM EST on ESPN pic.twitter.com/gcLDxNdRKZ

— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 8, 2026

Denis Goltsov makes quick work of Hasan Mezhiev with a first round TKO 🍿#PFLCharlotte | 📺 Prelims LIVE NOW on the ESPN App | Main Card 10PM EST on ESPN pic.twitter.com/fQZsYS13id

— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 8, 2026

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL Charlotte video: Denis Goltsov scores violent TKO in opening round