After experiencing a notable knockout loss during my time in the UFC, I’ve since risen to become a world champion and am now preparing for my second fight with a $1 million purse.

Impa Kasanganay has made significant strides since his time in the UFC.

The 30-year-old is perhaps best known as the fighter who suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of Joaquin Buckley’s infamous jumping spinning back kick in October 2020.

3

This stunning shot garnered widespread attention, impressing UFC CEO Dana White, former US president Donald Trump, and rapper Kanye West, ultimately changing Buckley’s life forever.

On the other hand, Kasanganay faced a downward trajectory following one of MMA’s most notorious knockouts, leading to his release from the UFC. Nonetheless, he refused to be deterred.

« I don’t remember anything about the knockout, » Kasanganay shared with MMA Junkie at a PFL media event in October 2023. “When I was in the ambulance, my dad told me to check my phone. Once I watched it, I thought, ‘Good shot.’ But I came into MMA to become a champion. If that’s the path for me, then so be it.

“At the time, I didn’t understand why it happened. I never wished for that to occur. I just thought, ‘How do I come back from this?’ My dad always said, ‘To know your glory, people must first understand your story.’ I tell everyone, ‘Play that highlight as much as you want. It was a great shot, credit to him. But when I become champion, play that highlight too.’”

The American fighter, the child of Congolese immigrants, reignited his career by achieving six consecutive victories under the PFL promotion.

In November, Kasanganay solidified his remarkable resurgence by defeating Josh Silveira, securing the PFL light heavyweight championship and a $1 million prize.

3

3

Kasanganay now emphasizes that the victory belt holds greater significance than the monetary reward and perceives his UFC exit as a hidden blessing.

He remarked, “I’m grateful the UFC let me go.”

“It was tough to secure fights during that time; I saw all my friends thriving there. I cherish the relationships I built in the organization, with no hard feelings toward them.”

Recently, Kasanganay suffered a controversial split decision loss to Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Elben in early February during a champion vs. champion bout. Since that fight, he has triumphed over three opponents to once again reach the PFL finals.

Before the end of 2024, he will clash with Russian fighter Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov for another chance at a world title and a $1 million payday.