Biaggio Ali Walsh gets support from Muslim community ahead of SmartCage return
DUBAI: Undefeated fighter Biaggio Ali Walsh has revealed how the Muslim community in Las Vegas, Nevada, is supporting him ahead of his highly anticipated return to the Professional Fighters League's SmartCage.
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Family, friends and members of the community gathered at Masjid As-Sabur, the oldest mosque in Las Vegas, on June 13 to show their support for Walsh ahead of his upcoming fight — a showcase lightweight bout against Ronnie Gibbs on June 27, which is part of the 2025 PFL World Championship semifinals, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
Walsh explained: 'Some people from the community, family and friends, came and helped, supporting my fight coming up.
'I'm just super grateful for all the love and support; I feel it radiating throughout me.'
It was a special night of fellowship as everyone prayed, enjoyed food, and wished Walsh well.
Walsh, who is the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, spoke about the importance of faith and how essential it is to have a deep relationship with God.
He said: 'Faith is everything in life, period. I feel like if you have good faith and deep faith in God and trust God, you can do anything.
'It's everything, it's the only thing I know, and that's the only thing that helps calm me before these kinds of fights.'
He added: 'I'm really excited for the fight … thank you guys so much for coming out, and inshallah, I will come back victorious.'
Initially making waves as a standout collegiate football player, the 26-year old found his way to mixed martial arts and ultimately made the full-time leap.
It was this transition to combat sports that, he said, helped strengthen his faith and his relationship with God.
In 2024, shortly after turning pro in MMA, Walsh deepened his devotion by partaking in Umrah, the spiritual journey to Makkah.
Coming from a family of elite fighters, it is no surprise that Walsh is making an impact on the MMA scene.
In addition to the Muhammad Ali connection, Walsh's aunt is world champion boxer Laila Ali. His younger brother Nico is also a professional boxer.
Now with a 2-0 record in his professional MMA career, Walsh is determined to carry on the Ali legacy into a new era — and with faith, family, and community behind him, he has never been more ready.
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