Former homeless fighter captures PFL title and whopping $1million prize money... four years after Dana White said ex-UFC contender would become a world champion

A former homeless fighter struck gold on Friday night with the Professional Fighters League, two years after being released by the UFC.

The ex-UFC middleweight contender, who now competes at light-heavyweight, earned himself a shot in MMA's biggest promotion after defeating Anthony Adams on the Dana White's Contender Series back in 2020.

However, after going 2-2 in the promotion, the 29-year-old was released. He would go on to compete under the Eagle FC and XMMA banner before joining the PFL earlier this year.

The American Mixed Martial Artist, who suffered a brutal knockout to Joaquin Buckley during his UFC stint, has finally captured a world title.

During Dana White's Contender Series in 2019, the UFC chief lauded the then 25-yer-old as a 'stud athlete,' saying: 'I'm telling you right now, whatever organisation out there [that] signs this kid, this kid is the future. I believe that this kid is going to be top five and possibly a world champ someday.' 

Impa Kasanganay, who earned his spot in the 2023 PFL light-heavyweight season on the Challenger Series earlier in the year, captured the 205lbs title with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Josh Silveira last night.

Kasanganay, who also pocketed a seven-figure payday, extended his unbeaten run to six fights.

The win over Silveira will almost certainly change 'Tshilobo's' life forever. Just a year ago, the 29-year-old was homeless and living in his car while parked up outside his gym in Miami - but is now a millionaire. 

Speaking to Sun Sport, the American said:  'It's funny how I look back a year ago, I'm like, 'Life's a bit different!'

'Every time I walk past that parking spot, I'm like, 'Man, now I'm going home, I've got a house with a garage.'''

Kasanganay, who started training in MMA in 2017, reveals he worked as a personal trainer, at a restaurant and back in finance, however, it wasn't enough to keep him financially stable.  

 'I didn't complain, I didn't tell anybody,' he added.

'I'm pretty sure my team-mates would have let me in but I was like, 'No, you got yourself in this situation, you've got to get yourself out of it.'

'One day Henri was in the gym and he was like, 'Hey, are you sleeping in your car? Because security said the car is here a lot and it could be one of the fighters.'

'Funnily enough, as challenging as sleeping in a car was, it was a peaceful time, too.'

The American now has a house in Florida in what has been a great year for the PFL star.

He also claims that it his dream to own a farm. With the life-changing win over Silveira and the $1m (£800,000) prize money, it's fair to say the 29-year-old can now afford to buy a ranch.