Impa Kasanganay Bio
Impa Armand Kasanganay is an American mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Born on January 17, 1994, Kasanganay has also competed in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Early Life and Background
Kasanganay was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Congolese immigrant parents. At age 12, he moved to North Carolina, where he attended Providence High School in Charlotte. During his senior year, he began playing American football, which he continued at the collegiate level.
He played college football at Lenoir-Rhyne University before shifting his focus to mixed martial arts. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Kasanganay earned three degrees: an associate degree in Business Administration and accounting, a Bachelor’s in Accounting, and a Bachelor’s in Finance. He worked as an accountant during the early stages of his MMA career.
Path to MMA
Kasanganay made his professional MMA debut in 2019 at 864 Fighting Championship, winning his first bout by split decision. He quickly built momentum on the regional circuit with victories at Island Fights and King of the Cage events. His early success earned him a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he secured a UFC contract after his second appearance.
His transition from regional competition to the UFC marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his skills on a larger stage and setting the foundation for his rise in professional MMA.
Impa Kasanganay Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Kasanganay began his professional MMA career in 2019, compiling a series of wins in regional promotions. His performances caught the attention of Dana White’s Contender Series, where he competed twice. After a unanimous decision win over Anthony Adams in 2020, he earned a contract with the UFC.
During this period, he fought primarily in the Middleweight division and demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, including striking and submission abilities.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2020–2021)
Kasanganay made his UFC debut in August 2020, defeating Maki Pitolo by unanimous decision. He followed this with a submission victory over Sasha Palatnikov in April 2021, showcasing his grappling prowess.
Despite these successes, he faced setbacks including a knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley and a technical knockout defeat by Carlston Harris. In December 2021, Kasanganay was released from the UFC roster.
Professional Fighters League Era (2023–Present)
Kasanganay signed with the Professional Fighters League and debuted in March 2023 with a first-round TKO victory. He continued his winning streak with a unanimous decision over Cory Hendricks and a submission win against Tim Caron.
He advanced through the 2023 PFL playoffs with a first-round knockout of Marthin Hamlet and secured the 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Josh Silveira via unanimous decision in the final, earning a $1 million prize.
In 2024, Kasanganay remained competitive with multiple TKO victories and a split decision loss to Bellator Middleweight Champion Johnny Eblen in a crossover bout. He reached the semifinals of the 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight tournament before a first-round knockout loss in the final.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kasanganay is known for his versatility, combining striking power with submission skills. His reach advantage and technical grappling allow him to control fights both on the feet and on the ground. His adaptability across multiple weight classes highlights his strategic approach and conditioning.
Notable Events and Milestones
Winning the 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship stands as a career-defining achievement. His ability to rebound after UFC setbacks and capture a major league title demonstrates resilience and growth as a professional fighter.
Impa Kasanganay Career Wins
Kasanganay has amassed 19 professional wins out of 25 fights, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His record reflects a balanced skill set and consistent performance across multiple organizations.
Professional Fighters League Highlights
Kasanganay’s PFL tenure is highlighted by his 2023 Light Heavyweight Championship. He secured multiple finishes and decision wins en route to the title, underscoring his dominance in the division.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the PFL, Kasanganay achieved notable wins in regional promotions and the UFC. His early career featured a mix of decision, submission, and knockout victories, demonstrating his all-around MMA capabilities.
Impa Kasanganay Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kasanganay was born to Congolese immigrants, which contributes to his diverse cultural background. There is no publicly available information about a family history in combat sports.
Personal Life
Kasanganay resides in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
Kasanganay entered the 2025 PFL World Tournament competing in the Middleweight division. He faced Fabian Edwards in the quarterfinals but lost by technical knockout in the second round. Later in the year, he secured a technical knockout victory over Andrew Sanchez, demonstrating his continued competitiveness in the league.
His 2025 campaign reflects ongoing efforts to regain championship form and adapt to the middleweight class, with a focus on leveraging his striking and grappling strengths under his current team, Kill Cliff FC.