Last year, Impa Kasaganay had one of MMA’s greatest stories. Kasaganay, who at one point was sleeping in his car, earned a PFL contract through the 2023 Challenger Series and then went on a run for the ages. Kasaganay defeated Cory Hendricks, Tim Caron, Marthin Hamlet, and Joshua Silveira to capture the 2023 PFL light heavyweight championship. After falling short against Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen, Kasaganay’s journey for a second PFL title started off strong with a first-round finish of Alex Polizzi.

 

After losing his pro MMA debut as an 18-year-old in 2014, Jakob Nedoh didn’t fight again for about three years – and then won eight straight fights. Last year, the striking specialist finished Riccardo Nosiglia, Anthony Salamone and Simeon Powell to capture the inaugural PFL Europe light heavyweight championship – and earned his way to the global season. Unfortunately for Nedoh, he was bested by Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov in April – Nedoh’s first loss since his pro debut.

 

In this battle of champions, Kasaganay needs a win of any kind to make it to the playoffs, while Nedoh’s only hope of clinching a playoff spot comes from a first-round finish.

 

 

Round 1

 

The two circling in the center, with Nedoh on the front foot. Nedoh looking like he’s stalking Kasaganay, who circles around the outside. Nedoh lands a right hand. Combination thrown and landed by Kasaganay. Left hand misses for Nedoh. Another combination by Kasaganay. Kasaganay lands the left. Another combination from Kasaganay. Right hand from Nedoh.

 

Left-right combination from Kasaganay. Nedoh lands a jab. One-two from Kasaganay. Combination by Kasaganay. Right hand from Kasaganay. A couple of right hands have Kasaganay damaged, but he quickly recovers. Combination on the inside in the clinch from Nedoh. Combination lands for Kasaganay. Right hand and a left from Kasaganay.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Right hand from Nedoh. Kasaganay gets a takedown, but Nedoh gets right back to his feet. Right hand to the body from Kasaganay. Kasaganay land a left. Kasaganay grabs the leg and lands a one-two. Right hand lands for Kasaganay, but Nedoh answers with a combination upstairs. One-two by Kasaganay. The two trade in the center, and Nedoh loses his balance. Kasaganay lands a combination, and Nedoh appears a bit rocked. Nedoh tells Kasaganay to bring it. Left hand by Kasaganay. Right hand lands for Kasaganay. One-two for Kasaganay.

 

 

Kasaganay lands a spinning backfist, and the two are trading! Nedoh lands a big knee. Kasaganay shoots in and scores a takedown. Nedoh is back to his feet, however, and he’s got Kasaganay pressed against the fence. Nedoh gets the fight to the mat, scoring a takedown. Nedoh appears to have control of Kasaganay’s back. Kasaganay gets back to his feet and separates. Combination by Kasaganay. Nedoh with a right hand. Small combination by Kasaganay. Kasaganay lands a couple of one-twos, and Nedoh is hurt! Kasaganay is raining down hard shots on Nedoh! The bell sounds!

 

 

The referee never stopped the fight, but the doctor has a look at Nedoh and says he’s seen enough!

 

 

Impa Kasaganay with the comeback TKO for the ages!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Impa Kasanganay defeated Jakob Nedoh by 2nd Round TKO (doctor stoppage/ 5:00)

  • Kasanganay clinches the #1 seed in the Light Heavyweight Division
  • Kasanganay has won 8 of his last 9 fights
  • Kasanganay won the 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship

 

2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Semifinals

#1 Impa Kasanganay vs. #4 Josh Silveira

#2 Rob Wilkinson vs. #3 Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov