Impa Kasanganay sees the PFL as the perfect platform to stay busy and get his career on track.
Kasanganay (10-3) headlines Friday’s PFL Challenger Series 7, which takes place at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., and airs live on Fubo Sports Network. He meets Osama Elsaidy (8-2) in a light heavyweight bout for an opportunity to either sign a developmental deal or earn a spot directly into the regular season to compete for the $1 million prize.
Kasanganay, who was cut by the UFC in 2021, started his professional MMA career 8-0 before he was on the receiving end of the 2020 Knockout of the Year against Joaquin Buckley. Including that fight, he’s 2-3 since then.
Outside the UFC, Kasanganay dropped a split decision to Raimond Magomedaliev at Eagle FC 46 then rebounded with a TKO of re-instilled UFC fighter Jared Gooden last July at XMMA 5.
If he can find a new home with PFL, the season and tournament format will give Kasanganay the stability he’s looking for.
“I think the cool thing is you can always look forward in PFL,” Kasanganay told MMA Junkie Radio. “It prepares me for the season, especially that the light heavyweights go April 1. I told myself I’m gonna go claim this victory, go get this contract, and God willing I dominate this fight. …
“It’s exciting. It’s inspiring to me. It’s one of those things I feed off of. If it’s a pressure, I say it’s a privilege, so it’s something I’m really looking forward to, and I want to stay active.”
A former welterweight and middleweight, Kasanganay will be making his light heavyweight debut against Elsaidy. When asked if he’ll face any size disadvantages in his new division, Kasanganay said he used to weigh 245 pounds during his college football days and currently walks around at 215 to 220.
“This is where home is for me,” Kasanganay said. “I’m going to be able to push the pace on these guys, definitely be faster. Strength-wise, there’s no discrepancies. So I’m just ready to get after it for sure.”
