Biaggio Ali Walsh is set to make his professional debut in the world of mixed martial arts. As the grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, transitioning from the amateur ranks to the professional stage is merely a formality for him. Growing up, Walsh had the opportunity to showcase his skills as an amateur fighter at prominent PFL events, captivating fans with his performances. Despite having a record of 0-0 as a professional, Walsh has already displayed his knockout power in four of his previous amateur fights, making him a force to be reckoned with.
On February 24th, at the highly anticipated PFL vs. Bellator: Champions event in Saudi Arabia, Walsh will step into the cage as a professional fighter for the first time. His opponent will be the 19-year-old Emmanuel Palacio, who currently holds a record of 1-0. While Walsh is excited about the prospect of getting paid as a professional fighter, he remains grounded and believes that not much else will change for him.
In Walsh’s own words, this fight is simply another opportunity to showcase his skills. Reflecting on his journey, Walsh recalls the drastic jump in venues and exposure he experienced throughout his career. From fighting in a warehouse in southern Utah to competing in the prelims of the championship card at Madison Square Garden, Walsh has become accustomed to the grand stage and the surrounding hype. For him, this fight holds no special significance; he plans to enter the cage, dominate his opponent, and give the audience an exciting show.
What sets Walsh’s path to professionalism apart is the fact that major televised MMA events rarely feature amateur fighters. However, Walsh had the chance to prove himself on five separate occasions, each time impressing the audience with his skills. Beyond physical growth, the experience of performing under the bright lights of PFL productions has been invaluable for Walsh. It has solidified his belief that he is on the right path and has helped alleviate any doubts about his decision to turn pro.
Walsh acknowledges the questions he had before making this transition. He wondered if he was making the right choice, especially when the PFL approached him while he had a record of 0-1 as an amateur. However, he believes that the PFL saw potential in him and recognized the value of his family name. For Walsh, fighting is not about belts or money; it is about becoming a mentor like his coach and helping athletes who find themselves lost after their playing careers come to an end. This desire to guide and support others is what drives Walsh in his MMA journey.
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com