PFL heavyweight Grand Prix winner Oleg Popov will compete at the Games of the Future 2026 after joining the Kuznya roster for the tournament in Astana, the Krasnodar-based team announced on social media.

The phygital combat sports competition is scheduled for Aug. 8.

It will mark Popov’s first appearance in the hybrid format, which requires athletes to showcase their skills both in a real-life MMA bout and in a digital competition.

Popov won the PFL heavyweight world tournament in 2025, defeating Alexander Romanov by unanimous decision after five rounds in the final.

The Russian heavyweight owns a professional MMA record of 22-2 and has won six of his seven appearances under the PFL banner.

Before joining the PFL, Popov competed in MMA Series, where he recorded six stoppage victories and captured the promotion’s bronze belt.