MMA Series director and matchmaker Fedor Ryzhov has weighed in on former promotion standout Oleg Popov's chances against Pouya Rahmani in their upcoming PFL showdown.

Ryzhov believes Popov's mental preparation could be a key factor in the matchup. He pointed to Rahmani's tendency to engage in pre-fight mind games, often attempting to provoke and intimidate his opponents. However, those tactics appear to have had little effect on the Russian heavyweight.

"Pouya Rahmani usually tries to provoke his opponents before a fight, but it didn't work against Popov. Oleg has the psychological edge," Ryzhov said.

Rahmani's wrestling credentials remain a serious threat. The Iranian has recorded victories over notable heavyweights Anatoly Malykhin and Ali Isaev. However, Ryzhov stressed that those wins came in other combat sports and do not necessarily translate into an advantage under MMA rules.

The matchmaker also acknowledged that Popov could struggle to impose his own wrestling game against Rahmani. If that happens, the outcome could come down to striking exchanges and Popov's ability to avoid costly mistakes on the ground.

"Considering the level of Popov's sparring partners, I think that if he avoids mistakes on the ground, Oleg will outstrike Rahmani and win by decision," Ryzhov said.

Popov and Rahmani are set to square off on Nov. 14 at PFL Dubai. A multiple-time MMA Series titleholder, Popov won the PFL heavyweight Grand Prix in 2025. The 34-year-old Russian enters the matchup with a professional MMA record of 23-2.

Rahmani, meanwhile, remains undefeated in MMA at 6-0. In September 2026, the Iranian defeated Anatoly Malykhin in a freestyle wrestling match at a Real American Freestyle (RAF) event. He also previously earned a grappling victory over Ali Isaev.