Impa Kasanganay, an American MMA athlete, now competes in the Light heavyweight category in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He previously fought in UFC’s Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. Kasanganay’s aspiration to become a renowned UFC fighter came true at UFC Fight Island 5, but not in the way he hoped.
He faced a second-round knockout from Joaquin Buckley, a stunning finish that went viral on social media and became one of 2020’s most replayed highlights.
Impa Kasanganay attains a million-dollar success following his departure from the UFC
Kasanganay (14-3) was let go by the UFC in late 2021. He then had two fights in regional circuits before joining the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in early 2023.
During the PFL final media day, he mentioned that “I remember being in the Bud Light room in Atlanta and I looked at my coach and said, ‘Thank God UFC cut me,’” Kasanganay said. “I was just so happy. Man, what a situation. It was challenging to get fights there. All my friends were doing well there, great. All the people who I knew in the organization … I love people there too, so nothing against them. I’m just happy for me because who knows when I would’ve gotten that $1 million fight.”
Shortly after a severe knockout, Kasanganay was released from the UFC and suffered a loss in his first non-UFC fight at an Eagle FC event. From an outsider’s perspective, his career seemed bleak.
However, he made an impressive comeback with five consecutive victories, including three in the PFL’s 2023 light heavyweight season. He is now on the verge of winning $1 million, facing Josh Silveira in the season finale at the 2023 PFL Championships on November 24 at The Anthem in Washington.
Kasanganay’s situation has dramatically changed, and upon reflection, he appreciates the setbacks that led to his UFC departure.
