Get to know Dana White’s Contender Series fighter Impa “Tshilobo” Kasanganay

Las Vegas – Get to know Dana White’s Contender Series fighter Impa “Tshilobo” Kasanganay.

Dana White’s Contender Series continues with Episode 2 which features a lineup of rising athletes looking to make their dreams come true by impressing UFC President Dana White and earning a spot on the UFC roster. The second episode of season four takes place on Tuesday, August 11 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with all five bouts streaming exclusively on ESPN+ in the US.

NAME: Impa Kasanganay
NICKNAME: Impa “Tshilobo” Kasanganay
WEIGHT CLASS: Middleweight
AGE: 26 years old – 1/17/94
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5-11, 185
REACH: 75”
LEG REACH: 40.5”
STANCE: Orthodox
BIRTHPLACE: Fort Lauderdale, FL
FIGHTING OUT OF: Gastonia, NC
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English
STYLE: MMA
TRAINER: Gym-O – Jeff Jimmo
STRENGTHS: Well-Rounded
TRAINING: Up by 5:30 or 6 so I have my time to pray, eat breakfast, and focus on the day
ahead. A typical day starts out with 7am conditioning, Work with 1 or 2 clients at Loray,
then an 11am skill session, 12pm Jiu-Jitsu, 3pm pro practice, help Chase with the kids’ class and
then I’ll recover before the evening pro practice. Weekends are for sparring and recovery
PROFESSIONAL MMA RECORD: 6-0
DWCS 3
Episode 10 (8/27/19) Kasanganay won a three round unanimous decision over Kailan Hill

Q&A

Thoughts on opponent, Anthony Adams? When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training at the end of my senior year of college in 2017. I have always loved to watch boxing and MMA since I was a kid. When I was in college I wanted to improve as a football player and I saw that NFL players were training in various martial arts and with MMA coaches. Once I first stepped on the mats, I fell in  love. I know I have been called to fight and it was for a purpose much greater than serving myself.

What ranks and titles have you held? Currently a white belt. No titles yet, but that will change.

Do you have any heroes? My parents. They came from The Democratic Republic of Congo and have shown me what it means to work hard and go after my dreams. They have amazing stories and inspired me to go after what I love.

What would it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It would mean that I get to do what I love for a living. I would get a platform where I pray that I can be used by God to leave a positive impact on others’ lives daily. It will be affirmation that I have been called to fight. It would be the start of a legacy that can’t be taken away. One day when I have kids and a family of my own I can encourage them and others to go after what they are called to do and love.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes I have three. I have an associate’s degree in Business Administration and accounting, my Bachelor’s in Accounting and my Bachelor’s in Finance.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as an accountant, I bounced, and was a personal trainer.

Favorite grappling technique: Kneebar

Favorite striking technique: Turning elbow

Twitter account name: @KingImpa

Facebook account: Impa Kasanganay

Instagram account: @ImpaK5

OTHER KEY POINTS:

  • Pro since 2019
  • One win by KO, one by submission (RNC)
  • Two first round finishes
  • Origin of nickname: “It means ‘Warrior under God.’ It was given to me by my father, originating from Democratic Republic of Congo.”

Q&A Courtesy of the UFC

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