PFL World Tournament: Kasanganay and Carmouche Shine in Orlando

ORLANDO, Florida — The 2025 Professional Fighters League (PFL) World Tournament continues with thrilling matchups as Impa Kasanganay faces Fabian Edwards in the highly anticipated main event this Friday night at Universal Studios. The fight card, airing on ESPN and ESPN+, features an array of skilled fighters vying for a spot in the semifinals.

Kasanganay, the reigning light heavyweight champion from the 2023 season, enters the ring seeking redemption after disappointing performances in previous tournaments. He has shown resilience, previously bouncing back from setbacks with impressive wins. Edwards, a two-time Bellator title challenger, is known for his well-rounded fighting style, making this matchup intriguing for fans.

In addition to the Kasanganay-Edwards bout, the event showcases notable fighters like former Bellator flyweight champion Liz Carmouche, who advanced to the semifinals following a first-round TKO victory over Joanne. At 41, Carmouche continues to demonstrate her dominance in women’s MMA, finishing the fight decisively on the ground.

“I feel as strong as ever,” Carmouche stated after her victory. “I’m ready to face whatever challenges come my way in the semifinals.”

Carmouche will face an undefeated opponent, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter in June. The women’s flyweight bracket is heating up with unexpected matchups, including Bishop‘s recent upset submission victory that secured her spot in the semifinals.

The men’s bantamweight tournament also kicked off Friday, producing several close fights, including a split decision victory by Alves over his opponent. Alves is scheduled to face England’s next, following an impressive win. Additionally, Silveira’s matchup against Shipman is garnering attention as both fighters aim to solidify their status in the league.

In predicting the evening’s outcomes, analysts have their eyes on Kasanganay and his matchup against Edwards, suggesting that Kasanganay will leverage his wrestling skills to secure a victory. According to MMA analyst Kervin, “Kasanganay is likely to dictate the pace of the fight, using his experience and grappling to outmaneuver Edwards.”

For fans, the excitement builds around the evening’s line-up, which features not only seasoned competitors but also newcomers aiming to make their mark in a competitive environment.

The PFL World Tournament continues April 18, with another round of lightweight and middleweight matchups promising electrifying performances from fighters hungry for victory.