Incredible first-round KO puts Impa Kasanganay in PFL title fight in debut season

August 4, 2023 PFL

Marthin Hamlet knows what it’s like to reach the PFL postseason, but he’s fallen short of the championship. The former Norweigan wrestling champion last made the playoffs in 2021 and was the runner-up that year, losing to Antonio Carlos Junior in the final. Hamlet earned the No. 2 seed in the division this year with a first-round submission of Mohammad Fakhreddine and a unanimous decision over Sam Kei.

Impa Kasanganay is looking to follow in the footsteps of his training partner and friend Dilano Taylor by going from Challenger Series to Championship fighter in the same year. After competing at welterweight and middleweight, Kasanganay has impressed since jumping to light heavyweight when he joined the PFL. He scored a first-round TKO of Osama ElSeady during the Challenger Series before earning the No. 3 playoff seed with a decision over Cory Hendricks and a second-round submission of Tim Caron.

Which of these two will earn the first spot in the 2023 PFL light heavyweight championship matchup?

Round 1

Kasanganay bounces around, looking to use speed and footwork, firing a flurry. Hamlet, however, comes in and quickly gets a takedown. Kasanganay gets back to his feet, but Hamlet has his back as Kasanganay is against the fence. Hamlet briefly separates him before Kasanganay brings it back there for a clinch battle. After some struggle, Hamlet gets another takedown. He nearly gets to mount before Kasanganay gets back to the feet. Kasanganay retreats and Hamlet goes after him, missing a jumping knee. Low kick by Kasanganay. Hamlet lands an uppercut. Another low kick from Kasanganay. Hamlet responds with one of his own.

Kasanganay with a four-punch combination and Hamlet is starched and goes out cold! Kasanganay’s fighting for a million dollars and a PFL title in his debut season!