Preview: 2023 PFL Championships

PFL Light Heavyweight Championship

Joshua Silveira (12-1, 4-1 PFL) vs. Impa Kasanganay (14-3, 3-0 PFL)

After coming up short in the 2022 PFL postseason against a far more experienced adversary in UFC veteran Omari Akhmedov, Silveira has breezed through the competition during his current campaign to the tune of three first-round stoppage victories. The son of American Top Team coach Marcus “Conan” Silveira was identified as a talent to watch after becoming a two-division champion in Legacy Fighting Alliance, and he continues to deliver on his considerable potential. Kasanganay, meanwhile, has come a long way since being on the wrong end of a viral knockout against Joaquin Buckley in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The Kill Cliff Fight Club representative competed as low as 170 pounds during his UFC tenure, but the move to light heavyweight fits his frame well. Moreover, he does not appear to be overwhelmed against physical wrestlers, as he has managed to scramble to his feet well upon being taken down while also using his striking to set up takedowns of his own. Also impressive is his ability to land punches in combination to the head and body; just look at the impressive finishing sequence against Marthin Hamlet in the semifinals as an example.

In most of their PFL appearances, both Silveira and Kasanganay have grown accustomed to having athletic advantages against their opponents. They figure to be evenly matched in that regard here, however. Silveira blends his grappling and Division I wrestling background with kicks to various levels and dangerous knees in close quarters. As one might expect, his submission game is dangerous enough to capitalize on mistakes made by his opponents. Kasanganay likely has the edge in boxing, but he will have to be cautious when looking for openings to exchange. Overall, this is an intriguing matchup between two fighters at the peak of their respective powers. Silveira would seem to have more ways to win, but he has only gone to decision once in victory. “Coninha” finds a way to get it done inside of three rounds.

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Aubin-Mercier vs. Collard
Goltsov vs. Ferreira
Pacheco vs. Mokhnatkina
Sy vs. Magomedkerimov
Silveira vs. Kasanganay
Harrison vs. Ladd
Cooper vs. Brunson
The Prelims