Impa Kasanganay has made himself a very valuable asset since being cut by the UFC three years ago. And the reigning PFL light heavyweight king is open to the idea of taking offers for a more lucrative return to the MMA world leader.
For many UFC fans, Impa Kasanganay is known for being on the wrong end of one of the most spectacular knockouts in MMA history. His KO loss to Joaquin Buckley shaped the narrative of his career immediately after, and splitting his following two bouts did not help matters. It led to what many saw as an unfair release from the company after going 2-2 inside the Octagon.
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However, since losing three of four between 2020 and 2022 he has become one of the top feel-good stories in the sport. The 30-year-old has reeled off wins in eight of his last nine, including a PFL light heavyweight tournament title last year.
He has evolved into one of the very best fighters in the world outside the UFC and is a heavy favorite to repeat as the 2024 205-pound PFL champion. Ahead of his playoff bout against Joshua Silveira on Aug. 16, Kasanganay’s value in the business has never been higher and a second championship would only improve his status.
In a conversation with Ringside Intel on Wednesday, he revealed that he will be a free agent after the 2024 PFL season concludes. When asked if he would be open to a UFC return, he admitted he would have no problem with it if that was the plan God had for him.
“I am grateful to be in the PFL. God’s been blessing my water here and grass here. The grass is greener where it is. Anywhere God sends me I’ll go,” Kasanganay said. “I really do love being a part of the PFL and that’s where God has me. If God sends me to the UFC, I’ll dominate anywhere, and I’ll be champion there too.
Impa Kasanganay record: 17-4 (5 KOs, 4 submissions)
“My biggest thing is, wherever I need to be I am going to be, and wherever I am going to be I am going to dominate,” he added. “I had an excellent time in the UFC even though I was cut. People will say it was unfairly … Were there challenges that came with it? Yeah, but it was also challenges that made me better.”
Impa Kasanaganay is in no rush to leave PFL for a return to the UFC
While Impa Kasanganay is open-minded and confident about a potential return to the UFC he is quite aware of the positives in being a Professional Fighters League athlete. And although the UFC is the top company in the sport, there are issues with working there he happily admits has been “eliminated” during his memorable run in the PFL.
“PFL’s doing great things. They’re helping fighters in Africa. I’ve been helping friends get in the organization. It’s not all about you,” Kasanganay said. “I think being a champion; to me, you’re not truly a champion unless you help others develop to be a champion. That’s my focus
“… In the UFC you’re still seeing guys wanting [and] asking for fights. Still top five or top 10 and waiting for fights. PFL has eliminated that and that’s a wonderful thing for my life and my family’s life.”
The reigning light heavyweight champion returns to the SmartCage on Aug. 16 in the main event of PFL 8 in Hollywood, Florida. The card will air exclusively on ESPN and ESPN+ and begins at 6 PM ET.
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