Dovlet Yagshimuradov needed just 58 seconds to demolish Impa Kasangany to win the light heavyweight title at the 2024 PFL World Championships.
The Bellator veteran showed no fear with Kasanganay mashing down on the gas to start the fight as he came out aggressive and looking to set the tone early. But it was Yagshimuradov who answered during a furious exchange against the cage as a right hand slipped through and rattled Kasanganay to back him off.
That punch completely changed the dynamic in the fight with Kasanganay wobbled and Yagshimuradov charging forward with a barrage of punches. Several stiff shots followed including a couple of devastating uppercuts that finally put Kasanganay down and out with the referee rushing in to stop the contest short of the one-minute mark in the opening round.
Dovlet Yagshimuradov puts Impa Kasanganay away early in Round 1 at the #PFLWorldChampionship card in Riyadh! pic.twitter.com/7kPoQl8emQ
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 29, 2024
“I’m feeling good,” Yagshimuradov said about the win. “I’m very happy. It’s my family here. I’m champion this year! This support means a lot for me. That’s why we are doing this.
“I can tell you like this, Impa is a very good fighter but today, I was better than him.”
The victory ends a phenomenal year for Yagshimuradov after he moved to the PFL from Bellator while now building his overall win streak to seven in a row.
Yagshimuradov had a tough start to his Bellator career drawing former champion Corey Anderson in his debut and then suffering another loss in his second appearance with the promotion. He’s since turned things around in dramatic fashion, especially after beating past PFL champion Rob Wilkinson to punch his ticket to the finals.
Now he can add Kasanganay to his resume after a blistering first-round knockout had the crowd in Saudi Arabia on its feet with Yagshimuradov proving he’s going to be a tough out for anybody at 205 pounds.
