Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of legendary boxer and human rights activist Muhammad Ali, made a splash in his MMA debut on Friday night.
Squaring off with Tom Graesser in an amateur bout as part of the 2022 PFL World Championship prelims, Ali Walsh gave the crowd a moment to remember right out of the gate with a brutal knockout just 45 seconds into the contest.
With the victory, Ali Walsh moves to 2-1 in his amateur mixed martial arts career. Dropping his first career fight via submission, he has since won back-to-back bouts, both by way of first-round knockout. Biaggio Ali Walsh isn’t the first member of the famous family to continue their combat sports legacy. His brother Nico Ali Walsh is currently undefeated in the world of professional boxing, winning seven straight fights inside the squared circle.
During his post-fight interview inside the PFL Smart Cage, Ali Walsh spoke about the pressure of carrying such an iconic name.
“100 percent. You know, the pressure, it’s gonna be there, but I talked to myself a lot. I maintain. I visualize. There are certain things I do to deal with that pressure. It’s gonna always be there and I think I handled it pretty well.”
Talking about his walk-off finish, Biaggio Ali Walsh says it doesn’t matter what round it is, as long as he hurts his opponent and gets his hand raised in the process, that’s all that matters.
“Anything can happen in a fight so, no matter if it’s the first, second, or third round, I just want to get the win.
“I’m trying to hurt him. He’s trying to hurt me. I’m trying to do the same thing. After I wrapped my hands, I felt my gloves and I was like, ‘Man, these feel like bricks.’ If it connects, it’s gonna hurt.”
Check Out Highlights From Biaggio Ali Walsh vs. Tom Graesser at the 2022 PFL World Championship
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Up first, Biaggio Ali Walsh vs Tom Graesser in an Amateur Lightweight bout!
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 25, 2022
Biaggio Ali Walsh stops Tom Graesser in Round 1 to kick off #PFLWorldChampionship!
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— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 25, 2022
Sean O'Connell checks in with Biaggio Ali Walsh following his successful promotional debut!#PFLWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/1TB83RDRqX
— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 25, 2022
