Impa Kasanganay Aims to Become Multi-Division King against Bellator's Johnny Eblen

Impa Kasanganay is one of a rare breed of fighters that can remarkably move across multiple weight classes.

The most memorable moment of Kasangnay’s Ultimate Fighting Championship career, a spinning back kick knockout loss against Joaquin Buckley came in a middleweight clash. Kasanganay then dropped to welterweight, won one, lost one and then was released.

After another forgettable loss against Raimond Magomedaliev under the Eagle FC banner, “Tshilobo” signed with a Professional Fighters League, where he won the 2023 season light heavyweight championship. Kasanganay then went on to call out PFL’s star signing, former UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou.

Kasanganay will now move down to 185 pounds to face Bellator MMA middleweight king Johnny Eblen at the PFL Champs vs. Bellator Champs card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Feb. 24.

In an appearance at the PFL vs. Bellator champs press conference Wednesday, the Congolese American reiterated his focus on being a multiple division champion.

“I respect Johnny and he’s a good fighter and he’s done great work. But for me, if you want to be the best you got to fight the best wherever they are at. He’s been the king of the Bellator middleweight division and for me my focus is to be multi-class champion and this is my opportunity to do that. To me, when you see a great fighter across the ring, that’s what gets me going and gets me excited. It’s great opportunity and honor. Fighters fight and that’s what I do.”

While Kasanganay is riding a six-fight win streak, his upcoming opponent has never tasted defeat. For “Pressure,” the face on the other side of the SmartCage hardly matters.

“Every win is a win at the end of the day,” Eblen said. “I don’t focus too much on the caliber of the win. This was an opportunity that was presented to me and I pride myself on always being ready and always willing to fight. Impa’s name popped in and I’m just down to scrap, bro. I’m here to get in a fistfight.

“I just train to get better every day. Impa’s name popped in the hat and I am ready for that challenge. He’s a PFL champion at 205. He’s tough, durable and a good fighter. I feel like just continuing to win is great and that’s what I am going to continue to do as long as I fight.”