Exclusive
FIGHT SMART
MMA star heads back to Harvard University after making $1m in cage to earn PhD and avoid blowing money like Mike Tyson
MMA star revealed his latest business venture after winning $1m
MMA star Impa Kasanganay is showing Mike Tyson how it should be done.
Kasanganay is back in action this Friday, aiming to reclaim his PFL crown and secure another $1million jackpot.
2
Super-bright Kasanganay was crowned champ last year, crushing Josh Silveira, whom he faces again in Fort Lauderdale.
Landing the biggest win of his life was a game changer for the 30-year-old who sunk so low he was once forced to sleep in his car outside a Florida gym.
With cash finally behind him, the son of Ghanaian immigrants - "my dad had just $16 in his pocket" - could have easily been sucked into the hype and blown all his money on living the high life.
But unlike boxing legend Iron Mike, who is shamelessly returning to the ring at 58 later this year after blowing the fortunes earned during his stellar career, Kasanganay is smart in - and outside - the ring.
READ MORE IN MMA
The light-heavyweight has just opened his gym in Miami, is studying for his MBA certificate with Harvard University, and has plans to pursue a PhD.
He already has a degree in finance and accounting and has applied for jobs in accountancy and logistical analysis.
You won't find the likable PFL star putting his body through hell as he approaches his 60th birthday.
"Fighting is incredible, and I'm grateful for it, but I believe you should never limit yourself," Kasanganay told The U.S. Sun ahead of the big play-off crunch at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Most read in MMA
"Some people think you should only focus on one thing, but I disagree. I understand when an NFL player makes $300 million a year, they might focus on that.
"But many successful athletes also build businesses and make strategic investments post-career."
Francis Ngannou's first fight since tragic death of his son Kobe announced with MMA star to take on giant 6ft 8in rival
Taking a walk through the impressive Kill Cliff Gym in Deerfield Beach, fighters at various stages of their careers are sweating like mad, dreaming of reaching the top.
They want to replicate Kasanganay's class in the cage, but are they thinking outside the box too?
"Most fighters don't take the same approach as me," he continued. "Either because they’re told not to or they don't think they can.
"My goal is not just to be flashy but to build something substantial, like caring for my family and supporting kids worldwide.
"I also want to create great businesses—whether it’s in construction, AI, or tech. The more you educate yourself, the more you can achieve."
2
With the crossover between boxing and MMA becoming more prevalent, Kasanganay is open to whatever the future holds.
He has seen Francis Ngannou make an impressive boxing debut against former heavyweight champ Tyson Fury and would even fancy taking on his conqueror, the imperious Oleksandr Usyk.
The fame and fortune on offer could trump what's on offer in the PFL, but for now, his eyes are firmly on the prize - and Silveira's face.
Kasanganay already incorporates "a lot" of the sweet science into his training thanks to trainer Dietter Navarro's Cuban boxing background.
There's enormous respect for former world champion Tyson's sporting exploits and how deeply religious Kasanganay bangs would make Iron Mike smile.
But that's where the similarities end.
"I don’t want to be another example of an athlete squandering their earnings. I want to show that it’s possible to do things differently," he said.
"I want to walk into a room full of professionals—whether they’re attorneys, IT specialists, or financial experts—and be respected not just as a fighter but as someone who understands business and strategy.
Read More on The US Sun
"I don’t just want to compete; I want to dominate in everything I do. MMA is my ministry, a way to encourage and inspire others.
"It’s not just about the money—it’s about living purposefully and using my platform to make a difference. I'm always ready."