Preview: PFL 7 ‘Jenkins vs. Pinedo’

2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Semifinal

Impa Kasanganay (13-3, 2-0 PFL) vs. Marthin Hamlet (12-4, 6-3 PFL)

After a victorious first fight that did not count toward the regular-season standings, Kasanganay displayed the appropriate sense of urgency with a second-round submission of Tim Caron at PFL 4 to clinch a spot in the postseason. It is hard to believe that Kasanganay once cut to 170 pounds during his UFC tenure, because he does not appear to be physically out of his depth at light heavyweight. Against Caron, the Kill Cliff Fight Club representative used his striking to set up takedowns, then landed effective ground-and-pound and used positional advancements to hunt for submissions. Thus far, wrestling has played a large part in Kasanganay’s two PFL victories, but he has backed that up with heavy-handed striking, landing powerful hooks and working the head and body.

Hamlet is currently in the midst of his best stretch as a PFL fighter—a three-bout winning streak that includes dominant wins over Mohammad Fakhreddine and Sam Kei during the current campaign. It is worth noting, however, that both of those aforementioned opponents appeared to be largely inept on the canvas, which played into Hamlet’s hands. The Norwegian is a powerful grinder who prefers to impose his will through takedowns, clinch work and top control. He is willing to hunt for submissions, but that activity does not always yield results. Hamlet’s favored approach can also lead to his fatiguing in the later stages of a fight.

Kasanganay appears to have found the right weight class, and at 29 years old, is in the middle of his physical prime. Hamlet, though he has his flaws, will be his toughest matchup in the PFL to date. With that said, Kasanganay is the faster, better overall athlete, and his wrestling should be able to hold up against Hamlet’s grinding efforts. Look for Kasangany to emerge with a decision win in what at times might devolve into a slow-paced affair.

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