Impa Kasaganay proved to be one of the greatest underdog stories in the MMA world in 2023, and now he looks to become PFL light heavyweight champion for a second straight year. The Kill Cliff FC product’s story is now known, going from homelessness to PFL World Champion. After winning a contract during the PFL Challenger Series last year, Kasaganay showed why 205 was a real home for him, running through Cory Hendricks, Tim Caron, Marthin Hamlet and Joshua Silveira to capture the gold and $1 million. Kasaganay then had an entertaining fight at the PFL vs. Bellator Champions card in February, falling just short in an exciting battle with Bellator Middleweight Champion Johnny Eblen.

 

Alex Polizzi makes his PFL debut tonight, looking to make a big statement against last year’s champion. A light heavyweight champion on the regional scene, Polizzi was a wrestler at Northwestern but has blossomed into a well-rounded fighter – though half of his victories still have come by submission. Polizzi, an Xtreme Couture product, holds a win over former Bellator champion Rafael Carvalho. Polizzi was most recently in action at Bellator 297, dropping a decision to Karl Moore.

 

 

Round 1

 

Kasaganay starts with a right hand. Polizzi lands a leg kick. One-two from Kasaganay. Combination from Kasaganay backs Polizzi up. Kasaganay scores a takedown and gets right into side control. Polizzi makes his way back to the feet and tries for his own bizarre takedown, but Kasaganay sees through it. Polizzi presses Kasaganay back to the fence, but Kasaganay stuffs the attempt. Polizzi sneaks around the back and gets a hold of one of Kasaganay’s legs before pressing him back to the fence. Polizzi is relentless with his pressure, backing Kasaganay up to the SmartCage again.

 

 

A one-two from Kasaganay. The right hand wobbles Polizzi, and Kasaganay continues his attack! Polizzi back to his feet but still wobbly. Polizzi tries for a desperate takedown attempt, but Kasaganay sees it coming and lands a couple of more ground-and-pound strikes. Polizzi rolls through and tries for a kneebar, but Kasaganay gets out of it. Another right hand rocks Polizzi, and his legs aren’t under him! A few more strikes, and the referee stops it!

 

 

Impa Kasaganay’s mission to get back to the championship is off to the perfect start – a first-round finish! And all five light heavyweight season bouts tonight end in the first!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Impa Kasanganay defeats Alex Polizzi by 1st round TKO (3:29), earning 6 points in the PFL Light Heavyweight Division