It was an emotional night for Walt Harris at UFC on ESPN 8, and not because he suffered a difficult loss to Alistair Overeem in the evening’s heavyweight headliner.
Saturday marked the first time Harris stepped in the Octagon since his stepdaughter, Aniah Blanchard, was found dead late last year. Harris was originally supposed to face Overeem in Washington, D.C., in December but had pulled out of the fight to focus on the search for Blanchard before her remains were identified.
Harris was something of a sentimental favorite in Jacksonville, and he began the main event like a man on a mission, as he dropped Overeem with a flurry of power punches near the fence and pounced for a finish with heavy ground-and-pound. When that finish didn’t arrive, Harris gassed badly, and Overeem was able to turn the tables to ultimately emerge with a second-round stoppage of the Alabama native.
Following the defeat, Harris released a statement on his Instagram account.
First let me thank [Alistair Overeem] for sharing the Octagon [with] me tonight... You’re a class act brother and a legend!” Harris wrote. “Tonight wasn’t my night, but you best believe I will be back better! Thanks to everyone for all your love and support, can’t say it enough! We learn and grow! Baby girl... daddy loves you and I promise I will keep pushing! #ForeverAniah”
The 36-year-old “Big Ticket” entered UFC on ESPN 8 riding the momentum of a four-fight unbeaten streak that included three KO/TKO victories inside of two rounds. The former college basketball player began his promotional tenure with losses in four of his first five appearances.
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