WASHINGTON, D.C. – [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] has received several callouts for an MMA fight, but perhaps the most surprising one happened this past Friday.
At the 2023 PFL Championship, [autotag]Impa Kasanganay[/autotag] called out Ngannou after winning the 2023 PFL light heavyweight title in his dominant decision win over Josh Silveira (12-2). It was a call out that few saw coming, given there’s no history between the two and the fact that they’re in different weight classes.
While many might’ve taken the callout as a way to grab headlines, Kasanganay (15-3) assures that he’s dead serious about his desire to fight the former UFC heavyweight champion.
“I don’t just say things to say things,” Kasanganay told MMA Junkie. “I want him because he’s great. I’m not here to test myself or just try it out. I’m here to claim a victory, too. If you really want to be the best to ever do it, you have to show it.
“Yes, he’s a powerhouse and all that, but I don’t care. I really, really want Francis because a lot of people run from him. He’s trying to find fights, I’ll go up to heavyweight. The biggest I’ve been is 245 (pounds). I’ll beat him if I’m 215. I don’t care. I’m not here to play around. I trust the trainers I have. I trust the coaches I have, and I’m just going to keep running through somebody’s face over and over again until I claim that victory.”
Kasanganay would love to be the first person to fight Ngannou under the PFL banner. He even suggested that their fight could be over in Africa, a place PFL plans to eventually start hosting events.
“PFL, you don’t have to look around, you know where to find me,” Kasanganay said making his case to be next for Ngannou. “You know I’m going to show up and say yes. Let’s do it on the inaugural PFL Africa card with us. Let’s set it off. … Let’s bring greatness back to the continent. I’m not here to play around. I respect Francis and I think he’s doing great work, and that’s where warriors go. They say the warrior’s greatest reward is the next battle, so that’s what I want.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2023 PFL Championship.