DUBAI: The Professional Fighters League returns to the Windy City on April 11 for PFL Chicago, featuring an exciting bantamweight headline bout between former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis and undefeated newcomer Mitchell McKee.
But before the main event a Chicago-born rising star takes center cage as Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of the late, great boxing legend Muhammad Ali, returns to action against Dash Harris in a lightweight matchup.
Ali Walsh last saw action in August 2025, bouncing back from his first career defeat with a third-round stoppage win. Now, the former American Football standout says he is eager to get back into the cage and get a winning streak going.
“I’m super excited to get back in there and put on an exciting show! There’s always a challenge in front of me, I’m only looking to handle that challenge and come out victorious,” he said.
On taking care of his opponent, who comes in with an unblemished 2-0 record, Ali Walsh beamed confidently.
“I know he’s from Michigan, likes to strike and wrestle a little, nothing new to me. Same gameplan on my end,” he said. “I see myself going in there, being myself, staying in his face with pressure and looking to drown his will.”
Preparations for the upcoming fight have taken place during Ramadan, so Ali Walsh was able to use the time to strengthen not only his physical skills, but also his spirituality and his relationship with God.
“This month is very special to me, I try my best to get closer to God and be more grateful this month,” he said.
But with a big fight coming up, Ali Walsh admitted that he wasn’t able to commit to the practice of fasting, a key part of observing Ramadan for Muslims.
“Unfortunately, I could not fast this year because I was in fight camp. I fasted for the first week. Fasting would affect my performance,” Ali Walsh admitted. “But moving forward, I’m going to make sure I don’t fight during this holy month.
“Absolutely, I know fasting is very tough on the body and I was concerned, but I tried my best to fast as much as I could,” he added.
A win on April 11, and Ali Walsh could earn himself a spot on the PFL’s high-profile cards in the Middle East. The fighter says he is gunning for a spot on one of the league’s upcoming cards in Dubai.
“It would be an absolute honor to fight in Dubai in front of my Muslim brothers and sisters,” he said. “I have fought in Saudi before but it’s a big goal of mine to fight in Dubai.”
As one of the PFL’s rising stars, Ali Walsh has nothing but glowing reviews of the company.
“I think the PFL is growing tremendously! I’m super excited about how the company is growing and I love the way they treat their fighters,” he said.
With a big fight looming, Ali Walsh is fully confident about what he can do inside the cage. Whatever result that brings, he says, is up to God: “I’m very confident in my abilities and what God has blessed me with. The outcome is always up to God. I accept that before walking in there. Trust God, try my best, that’s all I need to feel confident.”
PFL Chicago takes place on Saturday, April 11 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
