Stepping into the iconic Madison Square Garden, 24-year-old Biaggio Ali Walsh is poised to continue his grandfather’s legendary legacy as he prepares for an MMA showdown. The very same venue where Muhammad Ali once graced with his historic bouts is now the stage for Ali Walsh to carve his own path in the world of combat sports.

Growing up in Las Vegas, Ali Walsh initially made a name for himself in football and the modeling world. Yet, beneath the spotlight, there lingered the inevitable question about whether he had inherited the fighting genes from his celebrated grandfather. Enhance your MMA viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet, one of the best MMA betting sites.

“People would find out who me and Nico were related to and they’d say, ‘Oh, can you fight?’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t know,'” Ali Walsh shared.

Over the past year, he embarked on a mission to discover the answer. While his debut fight in June 2022 ended swiftly with a hospital visit, Ali Walsh has since silenced doubts, securing three consecutive victories in the Professional Fighters League, all by first-round knockouts.

His younger brother, Nico, aged 23, has also entered the world of combat, albeit in boxing. Nico Ali Walsh launched his professional boxing career in August 2021 and currently boasts an impressive 8-0-1 record, featuring five knockout wins.

For their mother, Rasheda Ali, watching her sons step into the ring or cage is always a nerve-wracking experience. She remarked, “It doesn’t matter who they’re fighting.” With the weight of their family legacy, she acknowledges that her sons consistently face opponents performing at their absolute best.

Wednesday’s bout, an integral part of the 2023 PFL MMA Playoffs, will mark Biaggio Ali Walsh’s second appearance in an arena where his grandfather once made history.

Muhammad Ali’s unforgettable “Fight of the Century” in 1971 saw him lose to Joe Frazier in a sold-out spectacle watched by over 300 million worldwide. Three years later, Ali would find redemption, defeating Frazier in the very same venue.

Recalling his initial appearance on a PFL card at MSG, Ali Walsh admitted, “I was super nervous but I went in there and just stayed calm, just got the job done, and that’s how I want to be in every fight.”

For his mother, what provides solace is knowing that “Biaggio works very, very hard. He’s always in the gym, always trying to better himself, and he’s with a team of incredibly experienced fighters and coaches who push him to the next level.”

In contrast to his grandfather, who began boxing at the age of 12 and clinched a boxing gold medal at the 1960 Olympics at just 18, Ali Walsh’s career journey unfolds differently. He acknowledges the stylistic influence of Muhammad Ali, particularly his stinging jab.

“Stylistically, my grandfather had such a stinging jab,” Ali Walsh noted. “He really used his jab to set up a bunch of stuff, and I think that one of the biggest things that I pick up from him is how he sets up his right hand using his jabs, or he sets up other combos using the jab.”

As the spotlight once again shines on Madison Square Garden, the Ali legacy carries forward, with Biaggio Ali Walsh determined to make his own mark in the world of combat sports, paying homage to his legendary grandfather while forging his unique path. Get the latest updates from the world of MMA only on Nextbet Sports.