Images courtesy of PFL
When it comes to the world of combat sports, the Ali last name is synonymous with boxing. It’s pretty much royalty in the realm of The Sweet Science. In Biaggio Ali Walsh's next fight, he hopes to inch closer to pro.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Muhammad Ali is a three-time heavyweight boxing world champion with 19 title defenses to his name. Ali’s daughter Laila is a two-division boxing world champion and went undefeated in 24 professional contests. The latest member of the family tree to step into the squared circle and make a name for himself is Nico Ali Walsh, Ali’s grandson. He’s 8-1 with 1 No Contest in his career.
One member of the Ali family however, Biaggio Ali Walsh, is making a name for himself in a different space of combat sports. Biaggio is the brother of Nico and is currently 5-1 as an amateur in mixed martial arts (MMA).
After splitting his first two amateur bouts, Biaggio was signed by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), with the plan that he turns professional in the league.
Four straight knockout wins later, Biaggio is scheduled to compete in his fifth bout under the PFL banner, taking on Joel Garza Lopez at the upcoming 2023 PFL World Championship in Washington D.C. later this month.
Should Biaggio leave DC with a win, it’s likely that he makes his professional debut next year.
Speaking to the press during the 2023 PFL World Championships Media Day, Biaggio hinted at potentially making the jump.
“God willing I put this guy to sleep in November, I’mma sit down with my coach and see what he thinks is next,” Biaggio said. “I like to listen to him, you know? I’m still a baby, he has so much more knowledge than I do.”
The hard-hitting amateur currently trains at Xtreme Couture MMA in Las Vegas under the guidance of Eric Nicksick. Xtreme Couture MMA was founded by MMA legend and PFL commentator Randy Couture, and is home to world champion fighters such as PFL fighter and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou, UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland, top contenders Manel Kape, Dan Ige, and many others.
Biaggio himself, however, believes that he’s ready to compete at the highest level.
“This is not a sport to rush in. But personally, if you were to just ask me individually, I think after this next fight, after I get the win, I think I’ll be ready to go pro.”
Still, the former collegiate football standout maintains that he’ll defer to his coaches regarding his next steps.
“Again, it’s not just me, I want to see what my coach thinks and pick his brain a little bit,” Biaggio stated.
The first order of business for Biaggio and his team however, will be to get the W this coming November 24th.
Don’t miss the 2023 PFL World Championship this coming November 24th, live on ESPN+ PPV.