IMPA KASANGANAY is officially a millionaire after becoming the PFL's light-heavyweight champion – just over three years after being on the receiving end of one of the greatest knockouts in MMA history.
The former UFC middleweight's world was turned upside down in October 2020 when he was knocked out by a sensational and viral spinning back kick from Joaquin Buckley.
Kasanganay bounced back from that loss with a submission win over Sasha Palatnikov but was cut the following December after losing to Carlston Harris.
His slump would continue at Eagle FC 46 last March, although he returned to the win column with a decision win over Jared Gooden at XMMA 5 the following July.
That victory punched the American's ticket to the Professional Fighters League and within touching distance of a million-dollar payday.
He recorded two stoppages, one submission and one decision win on his way to Friday's million-dollar championship match against Josh Silveira.
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Kasanganay was cool, calm and composed as he dominated the Brazilian – the son of American Top Team co-founder Conan – to earn a decision victory and a life-changing sum of money.
Kasanganay's triumph capped off a remarkable story of self-belief, grit and determination – which was instilled in him by his Congolese parents when he came to America.
Although his fortitude was tested by his trials and tribulations inside the cage, it was tested even more when he was homeless and sleeping in his car outside of the gym.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he recalled “It’s funny how I look back a year ago, I’m like, ‘Life’s a bit different!’
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“Every time I walk past that parking spot, I’m like, ‘Man, now I’m going home, I’ve got a house with a garage.’"
And those nights in his car were at the forefront of his mind seconds after he fulfilled his dream of becoming a world champion.
An emotional Kasanganay said in his post-fight interview: "You can be [sleeping] in the car one day, you can be world champion the next.
"That's in anything you do.
"A lot of people here, you don't know what they're going through.
"But once you know you're unconditionally loved, you might feel like giving up right now, but don't.
"Just one more day, promise yourself that, and you'll be a champion in your own life."
Kasanganay is now eyeing big fights following his title win and the PFL's recent acquisition of Bellator.
And top of his hitlist is current Bellator 205lbs king and Russian wrecking machine Vadim Nemkov.
He said: "I want Nemkov. He's one of the best in the world.
"Why would you be in this if you're not here to be the best? I came here to dominate.
"I want Nemkov and Francis Ngannou. I'm here to be the best. I'm not playing around.
"I'm here to be the best to ever do it. Past, present and future.
"I thank God the UFC cut me. I'm here to be in PFL and dominate.
"Took me 12 to 15 years to get a great contract and look after my family, now I want everybody next.
"I'll fight tomorrow, I'll fight on Sunday. I don't care. Let's get out there."
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