Biaggio “Poppy” Ali Walsh Carves His Own MMA Path While Honoring a Legendary Legacy

Ten years ago this month, the combat‑sports community mourned the loss of Muhammad Ali, a figure who transcended boxing to become an icon of civil‑rights activism and personal conviction. While his grandson Nico Ali Walsh continues the family tradition in boxing, Biaggio Ali Walsh has chosen a different arena: mixed martial arts.

Now a 4‑1 competitor in the Professional Fighters League, Ali Walsh is set to face Gamid Khizriev at PFL Austin. He acknowledges the weight of his surname but says his faith and acceptance keep the pressure manageable.

“You’re Ali’s grandson; there’s so much expected of you,” Ali Walsh told Deadspin. “I deal with that pressure through my faith and belief in God. I can’t control the outcome, only how hard I train and how I act in the moment.”

For Biaggio, Muhammad Ali is more than a historic boxer—he’s simply “Poppy.” Growing up, Biaggio didn’t fully grasp his grandfather’s global impact until a third‑grade school project prompted him to explore Ali’s civil‑rights work and outspoken personality. Watching classic fights with his grandfather in the same room left a lasting impression.

“He’s like Superman to me…he’s very inspiring,” Biaggio said. “He still inspires me, and he’s inspired a lot of people.”

Ali’s death when Biaggio was 18 marked a profound moment, especially as Louisville gathered to celebrate the legend’s life. The family’s private memories—performing magic tricks with a Criss Angel kit to bring joy to a struggling Ali, watching “King Kong” together, and sharing traditional Thanksgiving meals—remain vivid.

Despite the prestige of the Ali name, Biaggio stresses that his upbringing was far from a silver‑spoon narrative. After his father’s restaurant failed, the family relocated to Las Vegas with only $2,000, rebuilding their lives through hard work. He earned a scholarship to Bishop Gorman High School thanks to his parents’ double‑shifts and occasional assistance from Ali’s wife.

Biaggio played running back at Cal and UNLV, but injuries and the politics of college football derailed his career, leading to a period of depression. He eventually found direction working for Adidas and as a strength‑and‑conditioning coach, which introduced him to Xtreme Couture. At 22, he asked himself, “Is 22 too old to start training?” and decided to pursue MMA seriously.

After a loss in his amateur debut in June 2022, he went on to win six consecutive amateur bouts and signed with the PFL in 2022, turning professional in 2024. He describes his fighting style as aggressive and forward‑pressing, drawing inspiration from Mexican boxing greats like Canelo Álvarez and Julio César Chávez, as well as the opponents who challenged his grandfather—Joe Frazier and Ken Norton.

“I thought, ‘Poppy was the greatest, right? Who beat him?’ I want to fight like the guys who beat him—the greatest. That’s how I developed my style.”

Ali Walsh also carries tattoos of a butterfly and a bee, nodding to Muhammad Ali’s famous “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” catchphrase. Yet he emphasizes humility, echoing the advice he heard from his grandfather: “Always stay humble.” He credits daily prayer for his focus and for keeping his perspective on life beyond fame and fortune.

Looking ahead to the July 18 bout in Austin, Texas, Biaggio expects Khizriev’s grappling to pose a challenge. His game plan is to keep the fight standing and showcase the striking that has earned him multiple finishes in the PFL.

“He’ll try to wrestle, but this is the type of fight I’ve trained for. I’m excited to do what I do and avoid the wrestling.”

Biaggio Ali Walsh aims to demonstrate that success can be rooted in faith, discipline, and humility—values he believes defined his grandfather’s legacy. Wins and losses matter less than the example he hopes to set for others, both inside and outside the cage.

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