Joaquin Buckley recently lavished praise on Impa Kasanganay for his remarkable career resurgence following a devastating viral knockout loss.

Following the setback, the 30-year-old Florida man, with a mix of one win and one loss, exited the UFC. Kasanganay then embarked on a brief journey through smaller promotions before ultimately finding his home in the PFL in March 2023.

After racking up three impressive victories, he secured the PFL’s light heavyweight title and a $1 million prize in the 2023 league tournament. Kasanganay currently boasts an 8-1 record in the PFL, with his sole defeat coming by way of a narrow split decision against the undefeated Johnny Eblen this past February at the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions event.

Despite the outcome, "New Mansa" and Kasanganay forged a strong friendship, and Buckley now has nothing but glowing remarks about his former opponent's success.

During a recent interview with MMA journalist Kevin Iole, Buckley was prompted to share his thoughts on Kasanganay's achievements following his departure from the UFC. "New Mansa" expressed high admiration for Kasanganay's abilities, revealing that the former PFL champion transformed his devastating loss into a powerful source of motivation, propelling his career forward.

Of course [I feel a kinship with him], no hate in my blood," Buckley said. "I love what Impa was able to do; he didn't dwell on that moment; he used that moment, and he let it fuel him. He let it push him. A lot of people will talk about whatever they want to say about his skill set because he fought me, but he's a very talented fighter, if not a world-class fighter because he's a world champion... Yet again for me, it also gives me a lot of light because, you know, I was able to beat a great fighter like that.

"New Mansa" is currently on a tear, having achieved a three-fight win streak after dropping down to the 170-pound division in May 2023.

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Joaquin Buckley recently lavished praise on Impa Kasanganay for his remarkable career resurgence following a devastating viral knockout loss.

Following the setback, the 30-year-old Florida man, with a mix of one win and one loss, exited the UFC. Kasanganay then embarked on a brief journey through smaller promotions before ultimately finding his home in the PFL in March 2023.

After racking up three impressive victories, he secured the PFL’s light heavyweight title and a $1 million prize in the 2023 league tournament. Kasanganay currently boasts an 8-1 record in the PFL, with his sole defeat coming by way of a narrow split decision against the undefeated Johnny Eblen this past February at the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions event.

Despite the outcome, "New Mansa" and Kasanganay forged a strong friendship, and Buckley now has nothing but glowing remarks about his former opponent's success.

During a recent interview with MMA journalist Kevin Iole, Buckley was prompted to share his thoughts on Kasanganay's achievements following his departure from the UFC. "New Mansa" expressed high admiration for Kasanganay's abilities, revealing that the former PFL champion transformed his devastating loss into a powerful source of motivation, propelling his career forward.

Of course [I feel a kinship with him], no hate in my blood," Buckley said. "I love what Impa was able to do; he didn't dwell on that moment; he used that moment, and he let it fuel him. He let it push him. A lot of people will talk about whatever they want to say about his skill set because he fought me, but he's a very talented fighter, if not a world-class fighter because he's a world champion... Yet again for me, it also gives me a lot of light because, you know, I was able to beat a great fighter like that.

"New Mansa" is currently on a tear, having achieved a three-fight win streak after dropping down to the 170-pound division in May 2023.

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