Biaggio Ali Walsh is set to make his mixed martial arts debut Saturday in Saudi Arabia as part of the PFL vs. Bellator: Champs card against Emmanuel Palacio.
Not only is Ali Walsh the grandson of Muhammad Ali, but he was also one of the bigger stars at one of the most high-profile high school football programs in the country. He rushed for over 4,500 yards and 65 touchdowns in three seasons at
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), helping the Gaels win a national title in 2016.
As a junior in 2015, he ran for 2,451 yards and 33 touchdowns en route to MaxPreps All-America honors. Ali Walsh helped Gorman compile a 54-game win streak and played on three state championship teams.
In a bit of an ironic twist of fate, Biaggio Ali Walsh participated in a photo shoot in the UFC octagon with his Bishop Gorman teammates prior to the 2016 season. (Photo: Jann Hendry)
Ali Walsh signed to play for California but transferred to UNLV. His college football career fizzled out, leading him to MMA.
Sporting a 6-1 record as an amateur, Ali Walsh will be competing in one of the biggest non-UFC MMA cards in history. PFL acquired Bellator in November and the event is the first major step toward integrating the organizations with champions from both meeting in the cage.
