Wrapping up the PFL 3 card in Orlando, Florida on Friday were middleweights Impa Kasanganay and Fabian Edwards, two top-tier middleweights looking to move on to the PFL World Tournament semifinals.
Kasanganay was the 2023 PFL light heavyweight champ, and had gone to the final in that weight class again last year. With 185 brought in for the tournament this year, he was back down to his old weight class; Edwards, brother of former UFC welterweight champ Leon Edwards, was a former Bellator middleweight title challenger.
Off the opening bell, Kasanganay came out guns blazing, before an accidental clash of heads followed by a clinch. Edwards reversed, Impa would get back in control for a bit, and they’d battle it out along the fence, neither man able to take down the other. Back at center, things would open up a bit, with Fabian Edwards landing a good counter, then firing a front kick to the body. Edwards, however, shot for a takedown that was easily stuffed, leading to another clinch situation. The best moments for Edwards in the opening round came via his elbows, as he stepped into several, proving them to be his best weapon.
Between rounds, the cageside physician took a good look at a cut over Kasanganay’s eye. With the blood not impacting his vision and the cut not particularly deep, the bout was allowed to continue. When it did, Kasanganay clipped Edwards with a right hand inside of a minute, wobbling the Brit. Edwards would survive, however, and a minute or so later, he was the one clipping Impa with a left hand! Kasanganay was rocked, and Fabian Edwards went in for the kill, closing the distance, launching a jump knee, then landing another left and smashing away with punch after punch until the ref was forced to wave off the fight.
Fabian Edwards now moves on to the PFL World Tournament semfinal round, where he takes on Josh Silveira.
Official Result: Fabian Edwards def. Impa Kasanganay by TKO, Round 2, 2:14
