Impa Kasanganay has been on a remarkable run since joining the PFL, a perfect example of a fighter finding success in his new home and the opportunities afforded to them by the PFL. From his Challenger Series fight in 2022 where he earned a contract with the promotion, to being one of the biggest names under the banner, and a hopeful two-time champion in 2024.
The 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship saw Impa Kasanganay who trains at Kill Cliff FC in South Florida defeat Josh Silveira, son of legendary head coach at American Top Team, Conan Silveira. Now, ahead of the 2024 PFL Semifinals, the two will meet yet again with an opportunity to showcase their growth in just one calendar year. With a win, Kasanganay will punch his ticket back to the Championship as he looks to become champion for the second consecutive year.
Speaking to MMASucka.com ahead of the rematch, Kasanganay discussed why he doesn’t hold on to his previous success, what he expects from Silveira in their rematch, and how the opponent standing across from him doesn’t matter, he’s just focused on dominating anyone in his way to glory.
When it comes to the success he’s had in 2024, which includes two stoppage victories during the 2024 Regular Season, Kasanganay says he’s still challenged by the body of work he’s displayed because he feels he can do better.
“I’m grateful, it’s a grind that you love so it’s not like it’s overbearing,” Kasanganay said. “These are the things that you pray for. The overall body of work, I look at it as I can always be better. I’m challenged by this overall body of work because I know I can still do so much better.”
It would be hard to find any flaws in his performances, as he took out former PFL Europe champion Jakob Nedoh in the second round of the regular season and had a first-round standing TKO of veteran Alex Polizzi to begin the year. While he came up short in the CHAMPS vs CHAMPS fight against Bellator champion Johnny Eblen, the PFL champion says he just used that fight as lessons learned to prove he belongs with the very best, and with many arguing he won the fight, he doesn’t feel as it was a true loss to hold him down.
While his next opponent, Josh Silveira, will have revenge on his mind, Kasanganay is seeing it as a whole new fight between the two of them. He may have won their first fight but with the PFL year-to-year format, he believes it’s a whole new and unique challenge.
“I expect Josh to be the best version of himself,” he said of his adversary. Josh is a solid fighter, he’s smart and coached well. To me it’s not a rematch, it’s a whole new hunt. Last year is behind us. I always say burn the ships, so, what title?”
Acknowledging the motivation from the other side, Kasanganay said he doesn’t matter who is across from him, on Aug. 16 he leaves with his hand raised and he’ll be returning back to the PFL Championship.
“For me I could care less if it was Dovlet [Yagshimuradov], Josh, or some guy down the street, I take them out,” he mentioned. “I don’t care what their motivation is, I don’t care what their discipline is. Aug. 16, I finish with my hand raised, the job’s not finished. It’s a war path.”
Impa Kasanganay has been on fire with the PFL since joining back in 2022. He is exactly who they need atop their marquee and the benefits have been there for both parties. As he looks to once again become champion in 2024, domination and determination are his main fuels of focus.
