Combat sports fans should keep an eye out in August as the upcoming PFL event also features Biaggio Ali Walsh’s second professional MMA fight.
The grandson of the legendary boxing world champion Muhammad Ali certainly made an impression on fans when he made his professional MMA debut earlier this year – he’s now looking to make it two-for-two in 2024.
Meet Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali
Whilst his grandfather might be known as one of the greatest boxers of all time, 25-year-old Biaggio Ali Walsh opted not to lace up the boxing gloves; in favor of instead plying his trade in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Yet life in the cage didn’t get off to a great start as the young American actually lost his first amateur MMA fight back in 2022 – albeit winning all of his next six fights via KO/TKO before turning professional earlier this year.
“I’ve completely fallen in love with MMA, I’m obsessed with fighting,” he told the Olympics PR team before his debut: “I’m obsessed with getting better, I’m obsessed with picking everyone’s brains and it’s just something that’s changed my life in every single aspect.”
To the delight of both boxing and MMA fans around the world, Ali Walsh made easy work of his opponent and whilst he couldn’t continue his KO-streak, earned a comfortable unanimous win as he stepped out onto the world stage.
Interestingly, and somewhat unknowingly to most fans, Muhammad Ali himself also fought in MMA back in 1976, taking on professional wrestler Antonio Inoki in front of 14,500 screaming fans at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Japan – see below.
Whilst the young Biaggio Ali Walsh knows that his family name plays a part in the attention coming his way, the star-in-the-making also wants to write his own chapter in the history of combat sports.
“The one thing I do know is nobody’s gonna be able to live up to what he did. There’s never gonna be another Muhammad Ali. All I can do is follow his example the best way I can. He set the bar really, really high for not just me but every athlete and person.
“The sense of pressure is insane and it’s only gonna get elevated, but I welcome all the pressure in the world because I know pressure makes diamonds.”
Biaggio Ali Walsh set to make MMA return on August PFL card
This week, it was confirmed by MMA Junkie that Biaggio Ali Walsh will finally make his return to the Smart Cage at the PFL 8: 2024 Playoffs against 29-year-old prospect, Korey Taylor.
The fight could very well end up being Walsh’s ‘coming out party’ for the wider MMA fanbase, with the bout being reportedly set for the main card; his previous fight was buried, albeit understandably, on the prelims of PFL vs Bellator Champion.
Yet it could also be a banana peel-type fight for Walsh as his opponent Korey Taylor certainly isn’t a slouch; having won all four of his professional fights so far via finish, three KO/TKO and one submission.
With Ali Walsh now added to the PFL 8: 2024 Playoff fight night card, the event is now starting to look like one of the promotion’s best of the year.
In the main event, former UFC fighter turned breakout PFL star Impa Kasanganay takes on Josh Silveira in one of the two light heavyweight semi-finals; supported by the co-main event bout between Rob Wilkinson versus Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov.
There are also the two lightweight semi-final matchups to look forward to, featuring Clay Collard vs. Brent Primus in what should be a fascinating clash of styles, in addition to Michael Dufort vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov in the second semi-final.
Also rumored to feature on the card is a featherweight bout between Brayden Akeo vs. Jordan Oliver, with more fights expected to be announced by the promotion in the next few weeks.
The PFL 8: 2024 Playoff event goes down live from the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on August 16, live on ESPN and ESPN+.