Faith, Fights, and Full Throttle: How Impa Kasanganay Battles Life One Round at a Time.

March 13th, 2025

Impa Kasanganay’s journey to becoming a PFL fighter and former lightweight champion is a story of resilience, faith, and determination. From his roots in football to embracing the demanding world of mixed martial arts, Kasanganay’s path reflects his unwavering dedication to self-improvement and personal growth.

2023 PFL Championships at The Anthem in Washington D.C., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Cooper Neill / PFL)

Discovering the Warrior Within

Kasanganay’s interest in martial arts stemmed from his fascination with warrior culture. “I always liked warrior stories,” he recalled. Growing up in a Christian household, he gravitated toward tales of strength and courage, particularly the biblical story of David and Goliath. “I felt like some of those stories were diluted,” he said, “but hearing about David cutting off Goliath’s head really resonated with me.”

While pursuing a football career at Western Carolina, ASA College in New York City, and eventually Lenoir-Rhyne University, Kasanganay sought a new challenge after football. “I took a fight after three weeks of training,” he said. “Something about that lifestyle just captivated me.” That pivotal decision would set him on a path that would lead to professional fighting success.

Balancing Life and Training

Kasanganay acknowledges the struggle to maintain balance between his career, family, and personal life. “It’s one of the biggest challenges,” he admitted. As a professional athlete, entrepreneur, and mentor, juggling commitments is never easy. Despite his packed schedule, he prioritizes spending time with loved ones.

“After a fight, I always try to see my parents in North Carolina,” he shared. “Even if it’s just a quick lunch, those moments matter.” Recently, he joined his coach’s family for a cookout, sharing laughs and memories with his brothers and teammates. “You just have to appreciate the little moments,” he reflected.

2023 PFL Championships at The Anthem in Washington D.C., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Cooper Neill / PFL)

Finding Inspiration

For Kasanganay, inspiration comes from multiple sources. Within the fight world, he draws motivation from fighters like Scott Holtzman, Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, and Calvin Kattar. “Scott sat on the phone with me for two or three hours when I was still an amateur,” Kasanganay recalled. “He told me what it takes to be a high-level pro—that stuck with me.”

Outside the sport, his parents serve as role models. “They both came from Africa and worked hard to build a life here,” he said with pride.

His love for motorcycles also plays a unique role in his life. Inspired by actor and racer Steve McQueen, Kasanganay finds clarity by riding cross-country. “From Dallas to Austin or back to North Carolina, riding clears my mind,” he shared. Kasanganay even interned at Hex Moto in Boynton Beach, further fueling his passion for bikes. Today, he’s sponsored by Triumph Motorcycles, a British brand famously linked to McQueen.

Overcoming Adversity

One of Kasanganay’s most challenging career moments came after his viral knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley. While some may have viewed it as a devastating setback, Kasanganay turned it into a defining moment. “It wasn’t the hardest part,” he revealed. “It was just another moment where I had to say, ‘Now watch what I do next.'”

Surprisingly, Kasanganay found that becoming a champion presented even greater challenges. “You learn who’s really there for you,” he explained. “Staying disciplined and grounded became more important than ever.”

He reflected on a period of living in his car and even on a remote farm in a yurt. “Those times were simpler,” he said. “After becoming champion, things got harder because you start seeing the world for what it really is.”

2023 PFL Championships at The Anthem in Washington D.C., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Cooper Neill / PFL)

Advice for Aspiring Fighters

For those considering a career in MMA, Kasanganay emphasizes preparation beyond fighting. “Set yourself up inside and outside of fighting,” he advised. “Enjoy your time as an athlete, but plan for your future. Get your education, build a career, and find people who will support you through both the highs and lows.”

He encourages fighters to diversify their training and learn different styles, even those that feel uncomfortable. “Challenge yourself,” he stressed. “Stay disciplined, and never rely solely on fights to sustain your life.”

Beyond the Cage

Outside of MMA, Kasanganay’s entrepreneurial spirit thrives. He owns Whispering Force Media Company and runs a gym in Miami. He’s also pursuing an MBA and aims to return to finance and accounting.

“I keep a pretty active schedule,” he said. “But when I find time to relax, I enjoy grilling with friends, fishing, and exploring the open road on my motorcycle.”

Kasanganay also values mentoring younger athletes. “I remind fighters to think long-term,” he said. “I’ve seen too many guys lose focus on their future outside the cage.”

2023 PFL Championships at The Anthem in Washington D.C., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Scott Taetsch / PFL)

Looking Ahead

As Kasanganay prepares for his next challenge, he remains focused on self-improvement. “I respect my opponents,” he said. “But I focus on what I’m capable of and trust my preparation.”

To maintain his mental clarity, Kasanganay turns to his faith and grounding routines. “On Sundays, I go to church and spend time just sitting in silence,” he shared. “I reflect, I clear my head—and I stay calm.”

With his blend of discipline, faith, and relentless drive, Impa Kasanganay continues to inspire both inside and outside the cage.