Impa Kasanganay has seen a lot since his departure from the UFC in 2021. Although he gained initial recognition for a viral knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night 179 in 2020, he managed to make a comeback with a submission victory over Sasha Palatnikov. Unfortunately, a subsequent loss to Carlston Harris led to Kasanganay’s release from the UFC.
Post-UFC, Kasanganay competed twice in regional circuits before joining the Professional Fighters League (PFL). His PFL journey saw an impressive six-fight winning streak culminating in a triumphant Light Heavyweight Title victory over Joshua Silveira at the PFL World Championships on November 24, which earned him $1 million.
After securing a unanimous decision win against Silveira, Kasanganay boldly called out former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. Despite skepticism about the weight-class disparity, Kasanganay insists that his callout is genuine and not merely a publicity stunt.
Impa Kasanganay’s callout of Francis Ngannou was 100% serious. 😳 pic.twitter.com/vT9doMtrNz
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 28, 2023
However, fans feel the challenge would be way too tough for the new PFL Champion, as Ngannou’s punching power has been considered to be supreme. “Impa has more b**ls than Jon Jones,” wrote a fan. Another fan feels Kasanganay stands no chance against the ‘Predator’ as they commented, “It’s all over in the first round”.
One was ready with their brutal reply as they reminded the PFL Light Heavyweight of his popular loss in the UFC: “Lol, you got owned by Buckley. Calm down”.
Despite having engaged in five fights in 2023, Impa Kasanganay has no plans to ease his pace. With the integration of Bellator into the PFL, ‘Tshilobo‘ is targeting a showdown with Vadim Nemkov, the former light heavyweight champion of the promotion.
Impa Kasanganay urges the PFL to book the Francis Ngannou clash in Africa
Impa Kasanganay, the reigning Light Heavyweight Champion of PFL 2023, is calling on the promotion to arrange an epic matchup against their star athlete, Francis Ngannou. Moreover, with the former UFC heavyweight’s recent signing, PFL is set to host events on the African continent, and Kasanganay envisions a headline bout with Ngannou, bringing both fighters back to their roots.
“Why don’t we just do the inaugural PFL Africa card with us, right? Set it off. Let’s bring greatness back to the continent. I’m not here to play around,” Impa told MMA Junkie.
Impa Kasanganay tells @MikeBohn he’s 100% serious about wanting to welcome Francis Ngannou to PFL.
“I’ll go up to heavyweight. Biggest I’ve ever weighed is 245. I’ll beat him if I’m 215. I don’t care.” pic.twitter.com/Aq9VOlyQgg
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 25, 2023
Upon joining the promotion, Francis Ngannou was appointed as the chairman of PFL Africa. Kasanganay, born to Congolese immigrants, expresses his desire to reconnect with his heritage by facing Ngannou in PFL’s inaugural event in Africa.