Linton Vassell (23-9) believes his recent win over Valentin Moldavsky (13-3) gives him an advantage in the trilogy matchup.
Vassell and Moldavsky will headline the 2024 PFL4 regular season in the heavyweight and women’s flyweight divisions on June 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The two first met at Bellator 218 in 2019, with Moldavsky defeating Vassell by unanimous decision. “The Big Swarm” got revenge in a rematch at Bellator 292 in March 2023, battering Moldavsky with a right hand and then ground-and-pound in the first round. The two will now look to settle their rivalry in a trilogy showdown.
Moldavsky has bounced back with consecutive wins since then, but Vassel expects the Russian’s lone stoppage loss will be weighing heavily in the back of his mind heading into PFL 4. Vassel also believes Moldavsky will be hesitant to cede his unanimous decision win over Killcliff FC teammate Steve Mowry.
“100 percent. I’m the only guy who’s ever knocked him out,” Vassell said at PFL media day. “And it wasn’t a back-and-forth fight. I was winning.” [the] For the majority of the fight, he took me down twice, but it didn’t do any damage. And I was able to land hooks and ground-and-pound. And as a guy who’s never been finished like that, I know that’s in the back of his mind. I was his last loss, and when he fought my friend Steve, he was shy. He was also afraid of hitting, so I know that’s in the back of his mind. And obviously he wanted grappling, and I’m happy with that. Grappling. I’m more of a grappler than a striker. But I’m going to be prepared for all sides. But I think I definitely have an advantage going into this fight.”
Vassell began the Professional Fighters League 2024 regular season with a third-round TKO loss to Denis Goltsov in his smart cage debut in April. Prior to that, Vassell had a five-fight winning streak that included four finishes. While Vassell enjoys finishing fights by nature, he has also learned his fair share of lessons about perseverance. However, Vassell will undoubtedly be looking to get the finish, as it would greatly improve his chances of making the playoffs.
“So to be honest, in my fights, I’m going to finish most of my opponents in one round, rather than trying to force a win,” the 41-year-old said. [a] The traps and pressure game is a bit too strong for them, but I’ve finished most of these guys early in the first or second round. I learned my lesson not to try to force anything, but I need the points, so I’m really going to go for the finish. I mean, if I get the chance, I’m going to go for it, but I’m not just going to go out there and try to rush him for no reason, because he’s a very dangerous guy. But like I said, we need the points, and when they come, I’m going to go for the finish as soon as it comes.”
