Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, suffered an unexpected submission loss to Ronnie Gibbs at the 2025 PFL World Tournament 7 at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.
Ali Walsh, who entered the bout as a massive -2400 favorite according to betting odds, saw his professional record fall to 2-1 after Gibbs secured a decisive arm triangle choke in the second round. The hometown crowd erupted as Gibbs, now 2-0 as a professional, celebrated with an exuberant “Lazy King” move off the fence.
“I would not let an opportunity like this pass me by,” Gibbs had stated earlier in the week, a promise he emphatically delivered upon. The victory is particularly remarkable considering Gibbs typically competes at featherweight (145 pounds) but stepped up to face Ali Walsh at lightweight.
The match dynamics shifted dramatically in the second round when Gibbs secured a crucial takedown. After landing significant ground strikes, he locked in the submission that ended the contest. As the referee called the bout, Ali Walsh appeared visibly stunned while the arena exploded with support for their local competitor.
“He’s got it cinched,” commented one announcer as the submission unfolded. “He’s got to step off to the side. Tough to get the tap from that hip-to-hip position, but he definitely has it tight.”
This upset ranks among the most significant in PFL history, as Ali Walsh had been one of the promotion’s most heavily marketed fighters, carrying the legacy of his grandfather who revolutionized boxing decades ago.
Despite the intense competition, both fighters showed sportsmanship following the contest, sharing a respectful moment in the cage. For Gibbs, this victory represents a career-defining moment that instantly elevates his profile in the sport.
The loss serves as a humbling reminder of MMA’s unpredictable nature, where betting odds and famous lineage provide no guarantees. For Ali Walsh, it presents an opportunity to demonstrate resilience—a quality his grandfather famously embodied throughout his storied career.
