LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Biaggio Ali Walsh[/autotag] is looking to get as much experience as possible before becoming a professional MMA fighter.
Walsh (2-1) meets Isiah Figueroa (1-1) in an amateur bout at 2023 PFL 2 on April 7 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.
Given his family name (he’s the grandson of Muhammad Ali) and platform, Walsh could easily be fast-tracked into the pro ranks. But the 22-year-old insists on taking his time and will let his coach make the call.
“I’m not talking about turning pro until I’m ready to turn pro,” Walsh told MMA Junkie and other reporters during PFL media day at Xtreme Couture. “Right now I just want to get as many fights as I can until I feel and my coach feels that I’m ready to turn pro.”
He continued, “My head coach, Dennis Davis, he’s been in the game for a long time, and he knows what he’s talking about, so whenever he thinks that I’m ready to make that next step then I’m gonna listen to him.”
Being on a big stage also means invaluable experience that Walsh can gain over most other amateur fighters.
“I do know that fighting as an amateur on the PFL and being able to fight on a stage like now is preparing me for pro,” Walsh said. “I think once I turn pro, I’m gonna be a little bit used to the stage and the lights and what not, because that plays a big part in a fight too. If a fighter is going from here to here (down to up), it’s kind of new to them, the lights and everything. But to be able to do this as an amateur is definitely preparing me for pro.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2023 PFL 2.