Biaggio Ali Walsh, 24, is carving out his own path in the world of combat sports, embracing the legacy of his legendary grandfather, Muhammad Ali, while making a name for himself in mixed martial arts (MMA). As the son of Robert Walsh and Rasheda Ali, and brother to Nico Ali Walsh, a rising star in professional boxing, Biaggio has grown up in the shadow of greatness but is determined to forge his own identity. Although his net worth is not publicly disclosed, Biaggio’s journey from a star running back in high school to a promising MMA fighter speaks volumes about his dedication and drive.
Childhood with an Icon
For Biaggio, Muhammad Ali was more than just the “Greatest of All Time”—he was his grandfather, a loving figure who entertained him and his brother Nico with magic tricks and drawings. Growing up, Biaggio saw Ali as the cool grandpa who watched movies with them, not the global icon revered by millions. However, as he matured, Biaggio began to understand the profound impact his grandfather had on the world.
“When I was in third grade, I did a project on him,” Biaggio recalls, “and that was when I started to realize he wasn’t like other grandfathers.” The project opened his eyes to Ali’s status as a cultural and sports icon, a realization that would continue to deepen as he grew older. Yet, despite the growing awareness of his grandfather’s legacy, Biaggio never felt pressured to follow in Ali’s footsteps in the boxing ring.
A Different Path
While his brother Nico found his calling in boxing, Biaggio’s journey took a different route. As a teenager, he excelled as a running back for Bishop Gorman High School, where his athleticism and performance in the spotlight earned him recognition. However, the idea of getting punched in the face like his brother didn’t appeal to him. Instead, Biaggio focused on his own passions, including modeling and football, appearing in outlets like Vogue Italia.
Despite this, Biaggio was always aware that his last name came with expectations. “I knew that was gonna be a part of life in any field that I’m in,” he admits. Whether in sports or any other endeavor, he knew people would always try to compete with him a little harder because of who he was related to. This awareness became a motivating factor rather than a burden, pushing him to excel in everything he pursued.
Discovering MMA
After his football career in college ended, Biaggio found himself at a crossroads. At 21, he was working as an assistant strength and conditioning coach in Las Vegas but felt he was too young to settle into a spectator role. His desire to remain an active participant in sports led him to Xtreme Couture, a gym known for training top MMA fighters. It was there that a friend suggested he try a kickboxing class, sparking an interest in MMA.
“I thought to myself, ‘Why am I coaching? I’m still young. I could do this too,’” Biaggio said. The transition from coach to fighter reignited his competitive spirit, and soon, he found himself fully immersed in the world of MMA. “I’m in it to win now,” he declared, embracing the challenge with the same determination that fueled his success on the football field.
Legacy in the Cage
Biaggio’s decision to pursue MMA wasn’t just about finding a new sport; it was about continuing his family’s legacy in his own way. On Friday, he took a significant step in that journey by winning his third amateur MMA fight at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden—the same venue where his grandfather and brother had made their marks in boxing. The victory was a testament to his growth as a fighter and his dedication to the sport.
But how would Muhammad Ali feel about his grandson competing in MMA, a sport that some consider brutal compared to boxing? Biaggio believes his grandfather would have been a fan. “There’s a lot of very talented fighters and entertaining trash talkers,” he said, noting that Ali would likely have appreciated the skill and showmanship inherent in MMA.
Handling the Pressure
Being Muhammad Ali’s grandson comes with significant pressure, but Biaggio has learned to navigate it with grace. He acknowledges the expectations but refuses to let them define him. Instead, he focuses on his love for the sport and his desire to prove himself on his own terms. “In anything that I do, I’m gonna get the best out of anybody who’s gonna try to compete with me. I’m used to it,” he said.
This mindset has allowed Biaggio to stay grounded and focused, even as he steps into the spotlight that once shone so brightly on his grandfather. He’s not trying to be the next Muhammad Ali; he’s simply being the best version of Biaggio Ali Walsh.
A Grandfather’s Influence
Despite his iconic status, Muhammad Ali was a loving grandfather who valued the time spent with his grandchildren. Biaggio cherishes those memories, particularly the mornings when Ali’s Parkinson’s medication allowed him to communicate more clearly. “We would sit down and talk with him, and that was how we spent our time with him,” Biaggio said.
As Biaggio continues his journey in MMA, he carries with him the lessons and values imparted by his grandfather. He’s proud of the legacy he’s part of but is equally proud of the path he’s carving for himself. Whether in the cage or in life, Biaggio Ali Walsh is determined to make his own mark while honoring the man who set the standard for greatness.