Impa Kasanganay
Tshilobo
USA
Drops close decision in Super Fight
Kasanganay lost to Johnny Eblen via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at the PFL vs. Bellator Champs Event in Saudi Arabia in February.
ANALYSIS
It was clear from the outset that Kasanganay had worked his takedown defense, as Eblen couldn't establish any meaningful control in Round 1, which resulted in closely contested kickboxing exchanges. Round 2 began well for Impa, as he was able to hurt and nearly finish Eblen, but some meaningful control time and ground and pound from "Pressure" prevented any hope of a 10-8 frame. The final round concluded with a bit more wrestling success, and Eblen landed hard shots, cementing the victory. While this loss was a heartbreaker for "Tshilobo," he was able to score a KO/TKO victory in a bout against Alex Polizzi on Friday and has now won seven of his last eight contests.
It was clear from the outset that Kasanganay had worked his takedown defense, as Eblen couldn't establish any meaningful control in Round 1, which resulted in closely contested kickboxing exchanges. Round 2 began well for Impa, as he was able to hurt and nearly finish Eblen, but some meaningful control time and ground and pound from "Pressure" prevented any hope of a 10-8 frame. The final round concluded with a bit more wrestling success, and Eblen landed hard shots, cementing the victory. While this loss was a heartbreaker for "Tshilobo," he was able to score a KO/TKO victory in a bout against Alex Polizzi on Friday and has now won seven of his last eight contests.
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Released by UFC
Kasanganay was released by the UFC on Thursday, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Kasanganay went 2-2 under the UFC banner and most recently lost to Carlston Harris via TKO (punches) in mid-September. Although the 27-year-old recently dropped from middleweight to welterweight, he'll now be forced to seek out other promotions.
Kasanganay went 2-2 under the UFC banner and most recently lost to Carlston Harris via TKO (punches) in mid-September. Although the 27-year-old recently dropped from middleweight to welterweight, he'll now be forced to seek out other promotions.
Inconsistent ways continue
Kasanganay lost to Carlston Harris via TKO (punches) at 2:38 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
The inconsistent ways of Kasanganay continue. Fresh off an impressive second-round submission win over Sasha Palatnikov this past April, Kasanganay ate a huge left hand from Harris that sent him tumbling to the mat, and after a few additional shots, this one was over. Kasanganay is athletic and good on the mat, but the complete lack of power in his hands will be tough to overcome. He doesn't have a single knockout victory in his professional career, and it's hard to pick up victories at the highest level if you can't threaten your opposition on the feet. Kasanganay has alternated wins and losses in his first four UFC bouts.
The inconsistent ways of Kasanganay continue. Fresh off an impressive second-round submission win over Sasha Palatnikov this past April, Kasanganay ate a huge left hand from Harris that sent him tumbling to the mat, and after a few additional shots, this one was over. Kasanganay is athletic and good on the mat, but the complete lack of power in his hands will be tough to overcome. He doesn't have a single knockout victory in his professional career, and it's hard to pick up victories at the highest level if you can't threaten your opposition on the feet. Kasanganay has alternated wins and losses in his first four UFC bouts.
Facing Carlston Harris in September
Kasanganay (9-1-0) is scheduled to face Carlston Harris (16-4-0) in a welterweight fight at the UFC's Sept. 18 event, Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Kasanganay, 27, has gone 2-1-0 in his three fights since joining the promotion last summer. After Joaquin Buckley handed him his first career loss in October, Kasanganay bounced back in April with a convincing second-round win over Sasha Palatnikov.
Kasanganay, 27, has gone 2-1-0 in his three fights since joining the promotion last summer. After Joaquin Buckley handed him his first career loss in October, Kasanganay bounced back in April with a convincing second-round win over Sasha Palatnikov.
Strong rebound effort
Kasanganay defeated Sasha Palatnikov via submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:26 of Round 2 at UFC on ABC 2 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
It was a brilliant effort from Kasanganay and one that was made all the more impressive considering it came on the heels of his highlight reel knockout loss at the hands of Joaquin Buckley last October. Entering as a -250 favorite against a clearly inferior opponent, Impa landed a pair of successful takedowns and racked up 2:54 worth of control time in the brief bout. Kasanganay has shown far more good than bad during his brief time with the UFC, and his ability to bounce back from the Buckley loss is probably his most impressive feat to date.
It was a brilliant effort from Kasanganay and one that was made all the more impressive considering it came on the heels of his highlight reel knockout loss at the hands of Joaquin Buckley last October. Entering as a -250 favorite against a clearly inferior opponent, Impa landed a pair of successful takedowns and racked up 2:54 worth of control time in the brief bout. Kasanganay has shown far more good than bad during his brief time with the UFC, and his ability to bounce back from the Buckley loss is probably his most impressive feat to date.
April 10 clash in books
Kasanganay (face) will fight Sasha Palatnikov on the UFC's April 10 card, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Kasanganay was on medical suspension after being on the receiving end of one of the more brutal knockouts in UFC history. It appears he's finally put that behind him and will look to bounce back against Paltnikov, who is coming off of a win in his UFC debut versus Louis Cosce. Palatnikov does most of his damage upright, while Kasnngay has a mixture of the two in his repertoire. Kasanganay hold a three-inch advantage in reach despite standing two inches shorter, so he should have an opportunity to keep Palatnikov at bay until he's ready to go in for a takedown.
Kasanganay was on medical suspension after being on the receiving end of one of the more brutal knockouts in UFC history. It appears he's finally put that behind him and will look to bounce back against Paltnikov, who is coming off of a win in his UFC debut versus Louis Cosce. Palatnikov does most of his damage upright, while Kasnngay has a mixture of the two in his repertoire. Kasanganay hold a three-inch advantage in reach despite standing two inches shorter, so he should have an opportunity to keep Palatnikov at bay until he's ready to go in for a takedown.