“Thank God the UFC Cut Me” – From Dana White’s Promise to Embarrassing KO Loss and Now Francis Ngannou, Impa Kasanganay’s Journey to PFL’s $1M Crown

Four years and several important PFL transfers later, Dana White‘s prediction has come true. And it was all about the newly crowned light heavyweight champion of the PFL, Impa Kasanganay. When Kasanganay fought for White’s Contender Series in 2019, the UFC Boss had only good things to say.

However, with the praise came the stale taste of rejection. Now, there is no doubt in Kasanganay’s mind. He’s come far from then and is only thankful for everything that’s happened so far. Here’s everything you need to know about the much-lauded victory and the fighter’s mindset.

A big win for Impa Kasanganay

Kasanganay didn’t have an easy opponent in the slightest. Josh Silveira had not lost since last August. Nevertheless, Kasanganay managed to keep him under his control for the whole five rounds. This led to a flawless unanimous decision victory

“I came here to dominate,” said a determined Kasangnay, “I want Nemkov and I want Francis Ngannou. I want all the best. I’m not playing around.” Clearly, he has nothing to fear and no challenges he’s looking to avoid. Francis Ngannou is yet another big name who used to be associated with the UFC, but now is a part of the PFL roster.

Both the fighters are powerhouses, that much is for certain. However, a fight between the two might be a little bit further into the future. Meanwhile, the new champion is the proud keeper of a million dollars to his name.

“I’m so grateful for everything, my dad came to this country with $16 in his pocket and now I get to share this $1million with him. Thank god the UFC cut me so I could come to PFL and dominate. You can be sleeping in your car one day and then be world champion the next,” Kasangnay further added.

What did White say about Kasangnay?

Dana White is known for not holding it back. He has been rather ignorant of Ngannou’s win in the PFL thanks to the fighter’s impromptu split from the promotion. When Kasangnay participated in his contender series in 2019, he had high praise for him. Even though he rejected him from entering the UFC, White left him with a prophecy.

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“Impa is 5-0 he is a young guy,” White had said. “25-years-old and a stud athlete. Hill is too, both of these guys are studs and I just think that tonight’s pressure and experience was really big for this kid. He needs more experience, I’m telling you right now whatever organization signs this kid, he is the future,” White concluded.

And years later, turns out White was absolutely correct. Was this just a shot in the dark or did White really see potential in the young fighter to reach his perfect judgment, will remain a mystery.

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