Impa Kasanganay became one of MMA’s best stories of 2023 when he went from sleeping in his car, to winning a PFL contract in the 2023 PFL Challenger Series, to soaring through the competition and becoming PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion. After Kasanganay lost a close encounter with Bellator Middleweight Champion Johnny Eblen, Kasanganay got right back to work. He’s now reached the Championship once again with victories over Alex Polizzi, Jacob Nedoh, and Josh Silveira (the man he beat in last year’s title fight).

 

Dovlet Yagshimuradov began his pro MMA career in 2012, going on to capture a notable regional light heavyweight championship before joining Bellator in 2021. Yagshimuradov went 3-2 in the promotion before joining the PFL as part of the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator. Yagshimuradov now looks to earn PFL gold tonight after wins over Nedoh, Simon Biyong, and Rob Wilkinson.

 

Will Kasanganay become a back-to-back PFL World Champion, or will Yagshimuradov capture the world title?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Yagshimuradov to start. Exchange right in the center of the SmartCage. Jab from Kasanganay. Low kick from Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov flashes the left hand. Another strong exchange near the fence, and Yagshimuradov appears to have stunned Kasanganay with counter punches! Yagshimuradov continues the flurry! Yagshimuradov with a pair of uppercuts and Kasanganay goes down!

 

 

Dovlet Yagshimuradov is the PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

Dovlet Yagshimuradov defeats Impa Kasanganay by 1st round KO (0:58) to become the 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion

Yagshimuradov wins the title in his first PFL season and brings the first major global MMA title to his home nation of Turkmenistan

Yagshimuradov moves his career record to 25-7-1 with his 15th career knockout and his 7th straight win overall

Yagshimuradov prevents Kasanganay from winning back-to-back titles. There have now been 6 different PFL Light Heavyweight PFL champs. No fighter has been able to win multiple titles at 205.