Denis Alexandrovich Goltsov (Russian: Денис Александрович Гольцов; born 10 June 1990) is a Russian sambo competitor, mixed martial artist, and former amateur boxer. As a sambist, Goltsov is a two-time world champion, two-time European champion, and three-time Russian champion. As a mixed martial artist, he is currently signed to the MMA promotion Professional Fighters League (PFL) in the heavyweight division, and was the 2024 PFL Heavyweight Champion.

Denis Goltsov, originally from St. Petersburg, grew up in a sports-oriented family, though he initially lacked interest in team sports. At 15, inspired by his brother Sergei’s boxing trainer, he took up boxing and eventually earned a Master of Sport in the discipline, placing second in the national youth championship.

Goltsov studied geology at Saint Petersburg State University but shifted his focus to combat sambo, joining a gym that specialized in mixed martial arts (MMA). His transition was highly successful: within three and a half years, he became the European champion in MMA and continued to secure victories on both national and international stages, making MMA his primary career by 2021.

In sambo, Goltsov won 11 Russian championship medals, including three gold. He earned European Championship gold in 2012 and 2017 and achieved World Championship gold in 2016 and 2017, along with a silver medal in 2021. At the World Sambo Championships, Goltsov won the gold medal in 2016 and 2017 and the silver medal in 2021.

In 2010, Denis made his debut in M-1 Global, later moving to ProFC. Although facing the first defeat of his career, he continued to persevere, maintaining a 5-4 record across both leagues. His journey took him through various organizations until he found success in Tech-Krep FC, where he scored four consecutive victories. These wins positioned him as the top contender for the championship belt.

Denis's pinnacle moment came on December 18, 2016, when he secured the ACA Heavyweight Championship by defeating Salimgerey Rasulov. However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the title in the following match against Mukhumat Vakhaev. Despite setbacks, Denis rebounded, participating in fights in organizations such as RCC and League S-70. Eventually, he received an invitation to join the Professional Fighters League (PFL), signaling a new chapter in his MMA journey.

Goltsov made his PFL debut against Jared Rosholt on June 6, 2019, at PFL 3. He won the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round.

Goltsov faced Kelvin Tiller at PFL 6 on August 8, 2019, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He won the bout via ezekiel choke in the second round.