Walt Harris (fighter)
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Walt Harris
| other_names = The Big Ticket
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|6|10}}
| birth_place = Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence = Homewood, Alabama, United States
| nationality =
| height = 6 ft 5 in
| weight = 264 lb
| weight_class = Heavyweight
| reach_in = 77
| reach_footnote ={{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-sydney-australia/printFightCard|title=UFC Fight Night Sydney: Print Card|publisher=UFC|access-date=November 20, 2014}}
| style =
| stance = Southpaw
| fighting_out_of= Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| team = SBG Alabama – Spartan Fitness
| rank =
| years_active = 2011–present
| mma_kowin = 13
| mma_subwin =
| mma_decwin =
| mma_koloss = 5
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_decloss = 3
| mma_dqloss = 1
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc = 1
| relatives =
| url =
| sherdog = 72046
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Walt Harris (born June 10, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2011, Harris has also formerly competed for Titan FC.
Background
Before entering mixed martial arts in 2010, Harris was a basketball player at Jacksonville State University{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cagewriter/ex-division-college-basketball-player-walter-harris-potential-183346483--mma.html|title=Ex-Division I college basketball player Walter Harris' potential has coach Charles McCarthy fired up|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|date=October 1, 2013}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Harris competed as an amateur from 2009–2010, compiling a record of 4–1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/17046-walter-harris|title = Walt Harris ("The Big Ticket") | MMA Fighter Page}} He made his professional debut on March 15, 2011, when he faced Justin Thornton at HEF: Hess Extreme Fighting. He won via first-round TKO, just sixteen seconds into the first round.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/events/HEF-Hess-Extreme-Fighting-16518|title=Hess Extreme Fighting Results|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=March 15, 2011}} Following this, Harris compiled a record of 6–1, with wins over Tony Melton and UFC veteran Anthony Hamilton, before signing with UFC in the fall of 2013.
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
On September 19, 2013, it was announced that Harris had signed with the UFC, and he faced fellow newcomer Jared Rosholt at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale on November 30, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/9/19/4749806/ufc-signs-heavyweights-jared-rosholt-vs-walter-harris-tuf-finale-mma-news|title=The UFC adds two new heavyweights to {{sic|i|t's|nolink=y}} roster with Jared Rosholt and Walter Harris – Bloody Elbow |publisher=BloodyElbow.com | date=September 19, 2013 | access-date=April 12, 2016}} Despite dropping Rosholt in the first round, Rosholt rallied back and Harris lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/111017-the-ultimate-fighter-18-finale-jared-the-big-show-rosholt-vs-walt-the-big-ticket-harris|title=TUF 18 Finale: Jared Rosholt vs. Walt Harris|publisher=Tapology.com|date=November 30, 2013}}
In his second fight with the promotion, Harris faced Nikita Krylov at UFC on Fox 10 on January 25, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/12/6/5182608/ufc-on-fox-10nikita-krylov-vs-walt-harris-ufc-news|title=Nikita Krylov vs. Walt Harris added to UFC on Fox 10|publisher=BloodyElbow.com|date=December 6, 2013}} Though he was the considerable favorite coming into the bout, Harris was staggered by a head kick from Krylov, and after follow-up strikes on the ground from Krylov, he lost the bout via TKO, just 25 seconds into the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/01/ufc-on-fox-10-results-photos-nikita-krylov-stuns-walt-harris-in-25-second-beatdown|title=UFC on FOX 10 results, photos: Nikita Krylov stuns Walt Harris in 25-second beatdown|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|date=January 25, 2014}} After dropping to 0–2 in the UFC, Harris was subsequently released from the promotion.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/heavyweight-walt-harris-latest-fighter-to-receive-ufc-release-032814|title=Heavyweight Walt Harris latest fighter to receive UFC release|work=FoxSports.com|date=March 28, 2014}}
=Titan Fighting Championship=
Following his UFC release, Harris signed with Florida based promotion Titan FC. He faced D.J. Linderman at Titan FC 28 on May 16, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.titanfighting.com/d-j-linderman-goes-titan-fighting-debut/|title=D.J. Linderman Goes Back to Roots to Bring Pain in His Titan Fighting Debut|publisher=TitanFighting.com|date=May 5, 2014|access-date=November 20, 2014|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129053704/http://www.titanfighting.com/d-j-linderman-goes-titan-fighting-debut/|url-status=dead}} He won the fight via first-round knockout.{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/135605-titan-fc-28-walt-the-big-ticket-harris-vs-dj-da-protege-linderman|title=Titan FC 28: Walt Harris vs. DJ Linderman|publisher=Tapology.com|date=May 16, 2014}} He was expected to face Dave Herman at Titan FC 30 on September 26, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/resurgent-ufc-veterans-dave-herman-and-walt-harris-square-off-at-titan-fc-30|title=Resurgent UFC Veterans Dave Herman and Walt Harris Square Off at Titan FC 30|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=June 25, 2014}} However, Harris pulled out of the bout due to a back injury and the fight was postponed.{{cite web|url=http://themmareport.com/2014/09/back-injury-to-walt-harris-delays-fight-against-dave-herman-to-november-in-titan-fc/|title=Back injury to Walt Harris delays fight against Dave Herman to November in Titan FC|publisher=themmareport.com|date=September 17, 2014}}
The bout with Herman was rescheduled and was expected to take place on December 19, 2014. However, Harris resigned with the UFC, and he was replaced by Jon Madsen.{{cite web|url=http://themmareport.com/2014/10/dave-herman-vs-jon-madsen-set-for-inaugural-heavyweight-title-at-titan-fc-32/|title=Dave Herman vs. Jon Madsen set for inaugural heavyweight title at Titan FC 32|publisher=themmareport.com|date=October 21, 2014}}
=Return to UFC=
After Daniel Omielańczuk was forced to pull out of his bout with Soa Palelei due to a thumb injury, Harris resigned with UFC and faced Palelei at UFC Fight Night 55 on November 7, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/10/walt-harris-returns-to-ufc-meets-soa-palelei-at-ufc-fight-night-55|title=Walt Harris returns to UFC, meets Soa Palelei at UFC Fight Night 55|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|date=October 21, 2014}} He lost the fight via second-round TKO.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/11/ufc-fight-night-55-results-soa-palelei-pounds-out-walt-harris-then-sings|title=UFC Fight Night 55 results: Soa Palelei pounds out Walt Harris, then sings|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|date=November 7, 2014}}
Harris faced promotional newcomer Cody East on April 23, 2016, at UFC 197.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/04/after-legacy-fc-51-win-cody-east-signs-with-ufc-meets-walt-harris-at-ufc-197|title=After Legacy 51 win, Cody East signs with UFC, faces Walt Harris at UFC 197|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=April 4, 2016|access-date=April 4, 2016}} He won the fight via TKO in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/04/ufc-197-results-walt-harris-heavy-hands-lead-to-first-round-tko-of-cody-east|title=UFC 197 results: Walt Harris' heavy hands lead to first-round TKO of Cody East|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Brent Brookhouse|date=April 23, 2016|access-date=April 23, 2016}}
Harris next faced Shamil Abdurakhimov on October 1, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 96.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/08/3-more-added-to-ufc-fight-night-96-including-sergio-pettis-vs-louis-smolka|title=3 more added to UFC Fight Night 96|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=August 1, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016}} He lost the fight via split decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/10/ufc-fight-night-96-results-shamil-abdurakhimov-takes-split-from-walt-harris-in-heavyweight-ho-hummer|title=UFC Fight Night 96 results: Shamil Abdurakhimov takes split from Walt Harris in heavyweight ho-hummer|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=October 1, 2016|access-date=October 1, 2016}}
Harris faced Chase Sherman on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/11/walt-harris-vs-chase-sherman-added-to-ufc-fight-night-103-in-phoenix|title=Walt Harris vs. Chase Sherman added to UFC Fight Night 103 in Phoenix|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2016}} He won the fight by knockout in the second round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/01/ufc-fight-night-103-results-big-ticket-walt-harris-gives-chase-sherman-ticket-to-lights-out|title=UFC Fight Night 103 results: 'Big Ticket' Walt Harris gives Chase Sherman ticket to lights out|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=January 15, 2017|access-date=January 15, 2017}}
Harris made his next appearance against Cyril Asker on June 17, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 111.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/ufc-fight-night-111-takes-shape-in-singapore-including-andrei-arlovski-vs-marcin-tybura|title=UFC Fight Night 111 takes shape in Singapore|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=March 29, 2017}} He won the fight early in the first round via TKO due to a combination of elbows and punches.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/06/ufc-fight-night-111-results-walt-harris-pounds-out-cyril-asker-in-opening-round|title=UFC Fight Night 111 results: Walt Harris pounds out Cyril Asker in opening round|date=June 17, 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=June 18, 2017|language=en-US}}
Harris was expected to face Mark Godbeer on October 7, 2017, at UFC 216{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-216-Bolstered-with-Several-Bouts-125723|title=UFC 216 bolstered with several bouts|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Mike Sloan|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=August 2, 2017}} before a fight-day injury to Derrick Lewis took him out of his scheduled fight with Fabrício Werdum. As a result, Harris moved on to face Werdum, and Godbeer was pulled from the event.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/derrick-lewis-injured-ufc-216-fight-vs-fabricio-werdum-cancelled-last-minute|title=Derrick Lewis injured, Fabricio Werdum now faces Walt Harris last minute at UFC 216|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=John Morgan and Simon Samano|date=October 7, 2017|access-date=October 8, 2017}} Harris lost the fight via submission in the first round.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/10/7/16442082/ufc-216-results-fabricio-werdum-submits-walt-harris-in-just-over-a-minute-armbar-mma|title=UFC 216 results: Fabricio Werdum armbars Walt Harris in just over a minute|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=October 8, 2017}}
The bout with Godbeer was quickly rescheduled and took place on November 4, 2017, at UFC 217.{{cite web|url=http://mmauno.com/mark-godbeer-and-walt-harris-offered-to-reschedule-bout-at-ufc-217/|title=Mark Godbeer and Walt Harris reschedule bout at UFC 217|publisher=mmauno.com|author=Jim Edwards|date=October 9, 2017|access-date=October 9, 2017}} Harris lost the bout by disqualification after Harris hit Godbeer with a head kick following the referee calling a time out due to a groin strike.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/11/ufc-217-results-mark-godbeer-takes-kick-to-the-face-and-dq-win-over-walt-harris|title=UFC 217 results: Mark Godbeer takes kick to the face – and DQ win over Walt Harris|date=November 5, 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=November 5, 2017|language=en-US}}
Harris faced Daniel Spitz on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/harris-vs-spitz-brooks-vs-sandoval-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-utica/|title=Harris vs. Spitz & Brooks vs. Sandoval toegevoegd aan UFC Utica|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|website=mmadna.nl|date=February 24, 2018|language=nl|access-date=December 14, 2022}} He won the fight via knock out in the second round.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-fight-night-131-results-walt-harris-knockout-daniel-spitz-late-in-second-utica|title=UFC Fight Night 131 results: Walt Harris knocks out Daniel Spitz late in second|date=June 2, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=June 2, 2018|language=en-US}}
Harris faced Andrei Arlovski on December 29, 2018, at UFC 232.{{Cite news|url=https://inthecage.pl/andrei-arlovski-vs-walt-harris-na-ufc-232-w-las-vegas/|title=Andrei Arlovski vs. Walt Harris na UFC 232 w Las Vegas – InTheCage.pl|date=October 27, 2018|work=InTheCage.pl|access-date=October 27, 2018|language=pl-PL}} He won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/ufc-232-results-walt-harris-takes-split-decision-andrei-arlovski-in-snoozer|title=UFC 232 results: Walt Harris takes split from Andrei Arlovski in snoozer|date=December 30, 2018|website=MMAjunkie|language=en|access-date=December 30, 2018}} It was reported on January 26, 2019, that Harris tested positive for LGD4033, and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) like ostarine, and he was temporarily suspended by California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/01/walt-harris-temporarily-suspended-csac-positive-ufc-232-drug-test|title=Walt Harris temporarily suspended by CSAC after positive UFC 232 drug test|date=January 23, 2019|website=MMAjunkie|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2019}} In February, Harris was suspended for four months and fined $4,000. The fight result was overturned to a no contest. Per the CSAC, Harris was able to prove the positive test resulted from a tainted supplement and the commission does not believe he was an intentional doper, hence the shorter suspension.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/2/28/18245516/walt-harris-suspended-four-months-by-csac-for-positive-drug-test-ufc-232-win-overturned|title=Walt Harris suspended four months by CSAC for positive drug test, UFC 232 win overturned|last=Raimondi|first=Marc|date=February 28, 2019|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=March 1, 2019}}
Harris was expected to face Alexey Oleynik on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 151.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/26142511/ufc-books-oleinik-harris-4|title=UFC books Oleinik-Harris for May 4|author=Ariel Helwani|date=March 5, 2019|work=espn.com|access-date=March 5, 2019}} However, on April 3, 2019, it was announced that Oleinik would face Alistair Overeem at UFC Fight Night 149 after Alexander Volkov withdrew from the event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/alistair-overeem-receives-new-opponent-at-ufc-st-petersburg/|title=Alistair Overeem Receives New Opponent At UFC St. Petersburg|last1=Ravens|first1=Andrew|last2=MMA|first2=LowKick|date=April 3, 2019|website=LowKickMMA.com|language=en-US|access-date=April 3, 2019}} He was replaced by Serghei Spivac.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/4/9/18303630/unbeaten-sergey-spivak-steps-in-to-fight-walt-harris-at-ufc-ottawa|title=Unbeaten Sergey Spivak steps in to fight Walt Harris at UFC Ottawa|last=Lee|first=Alexander K.|date=April 9, 2019|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=April 10, 2019}} Harris won the fight via TKO in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/ufc-ottawa-results-walt-harris-batters-serghei-spivac/|title=UFC Ottawa Results: Walt Harris Batters Serghei Spivac|last1=Straus|first1=Mike|last2=MMA|first2=LowKick|date=May 5, 2019|website=LowKickMMA.com|language=en-US|access-date=May 5, 2019}} This fight earned Harris his first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/5/4/18529684/ufc-ottawa-post-fight-bonuses-cowboy-cerrone-and-al-iaquinta-score-fotn-honors|title=UFC Ottawa post-fight bonuses: Cerrone and Iaquinta score FOTN honors|date=May 4, 2019|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Stephie Haynes|access-date=May 5, 2019}}
The bout between Harris and Oleynik was rescheduled and took place on July 20, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 4.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/5/16/18628660/ufc-san-antonio-bouts-announced-liz-carmouche-vs-roxanne-modafferi-aleksei-oleinik-vs-walt-harris|title=UFC San Antonio bouts announced, including Liz Carmouche vs. Roxanne Modafferi, Aleksei Oleinik vs. Walt Harris|last=Lee|first=Alexander K.|date=May 16, 2019|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=May 17, 2019}} Harris won the fight via knockout just 12 seconds into the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/07/20/ufc-san-antonio-results-oleinik-vs-harris/|title=UFC San Antonio Results: Walt Harris Knocks Out Oleinik in Twelve Seconds|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=July 20, 2019|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=July 21, 2019}} This win earned Harris his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/ufc-san-antonio-bonuses-attendance-gate/|title=UFC San Antonio Bonuses, Attendance & Gate|author=Jon Fuentes|date=July 21, 2019|publisher=lowkickmma.com|language=en-US|access-date=July 21, 2019}}
Harris was expected to face Alistair Overeem on December 7, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 7.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/08/ufc-washington-dc-alistair-overeem-vs-walt-harris-headlines|title=Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris headlines UFC on ESPN 7|website=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=August 14, 2019}} However, Harris pulled out on November 1, 2019, due to the ongoing search for his missing step-daughter.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/walt-harris-out-ufc-on-espn-7-dc-main-event-alistair-overeem/amp|title=Walt Harris withdraws from UFC on ESPN 7 headliner vs. Alistair Overeem|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=November 1, 2019}}
Harris was expected to face Alistair Overeem on April 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris. The pairing was previously scheduled to headline UFC on ESPN 7 in December 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/ufc-postpones-three-events-coronavirus-pandemic|title=UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=March 15, 2020|access-date=March 16, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/alistair-overeem-vs-walt-harris-opnieuw-ingepland-ditmaal-voor-16-mei/|title=Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris opnieuw ingepland, ditmaal voor 16 mei|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|date=April 9, 2020|language=nl|access-date=December 14, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=April 9, 2020|access-date=April 9, 2020}} The match was rescheduled to May 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris.{{Cite web|title=UFC reveals full fight cards for May 13 and May 16 events|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/5/1/21244699/ufc-reveals-full-fight-cards-for-may-13-and-may-16-including-main-card-and-prelims|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=May 1, 2020|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=May 4, 2020}} Despite hurting, and almost finishing Overeem in the first round, Harris went on to lose via second-round TKO.{{Cite web|title=UFC on ESPN 8 Results: Alistair Overeem Survives, Finishes Walt Harris|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/05/17/ufc-espn-8-results-alistair-overeem-walt-harris/|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=May 17, 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=May 17, 2020}}
Harris faced Alexander Volkov on October 24, 2020 at UFC 254. {{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=Alexander Volkov vs. Walt Harris slated for UFC 243 co-main event|url=https://readmma.com/2020/07/29/alexander-volkov-vs-walt-harris-slated-for-ufc-243-co-main-event/|access-date=2020-07-30|website=Read MMA|language=en-GB}} He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2020-10-24|title=UFC 254 Results: Alexander Volkov Stops Walt Harris With Body Kick|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/24/ufc-254-results-alexander-volkov/|access-date=2020-10-25|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}
Harris faced Marcin Tybura on June 5, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-news-marcin-tybura-vs-walt-harris-fight-night-announcement-booking|title=Marcin Tybura shifts to UFC Fight Night on June 5, will face Walt Harris|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun and Nolan King|date=2021-03-06|access-date=2021-03-06}} He lost the fight via TKO in round one.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-06-05|title=UFC Vegas 28 Results: Marcin Tybura Earns Comeback Win, Stops Walt Harris|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/06/05/ufc-vegas-28-results-walt-harris-vs-marcin-tybura/|access-date=2021-06-06|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}
Harris was scheduled to face Tai Tuivasa on October 30, 2021, at UFC 267.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/07/ufc-267-news-fight-card-tai-tuivasa-vs-walt-harris|title=Walt Harris vs. Tai Tuivasa added to UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2021-07-27|access-date=2021-07-27}} However, Harris pulled out of the bout for unknown reasons.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-28|title=Tai Tuivasa gets Augusto Sakai as replacement opponent for UFC Fight Night on Nov. 20|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/ufc-fight-night-augusto-sakai-vs-tai-tuivasa-nov-20|access-date=2021-09-29|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}
After a 2 year layoff, Harris was scheduled to face Josh Parisian on July 15, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 49.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-04-25 |title=UFC: Walt Harris Set for Return, Booked Opposite Josh Parisian on July 15 |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/04/25/ufc-walt-harris-set-return-booked-opposite-josh-parisian-july-15/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} However, the bout was scrapped by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) due to a potential anti-doping policy violation by Harris.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2023/7/12/23792578/walt-harris-vs-josh-parisian-scrapped-from-ufc-vegas-77|title=Walt Harris vs. Josh Parisian scrapped from UFC Vegas 77|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2023-07-12|access-date=2023-07-12}} He was given a 4-year suspension and will be eligible to compete again on July 11, 2027.{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Andrew |date=2024-03-21 |title=Midnight Mania! The Big Ticket’s Big Suspension |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/21/24107296/midnight-mania-ufc-heavyweight-walt-harris-obliterates-drug-test-suspended-2027-espn-mma |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}}
On March 27, 2025, it was reported that Harris was removed from the UFC roster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/news/ufc/walt-harris-ufc-release-drug-suspension/|title=One-Time UFC Headliner Released Amid Ongoing Four-Year Drug Suspension|publisher=mmanews.com|author=Pranav Pandey|date=2025-03-27|access-date=2025-03-28}}
Politics
Harris ran for a city council seat in Homewood, Alabama, in 2020 but finished 3rd in the race with 24 percent of the vote.{{Cite web|title=Walt Harris Political Profile|url=https://www.bamapolitics.com/alabama/alabama-government-officials/profiles/walt-harris/|access-date=2020-08-20|website=Bama Politics|date=August 20, 2020|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=2020 Homewood, AL City Council District 3 – Place 1 Election|url=https://www.bamapolitics.com/alabama/alabama-elections/2020-alabama-elections/2020-homewood-al-city-council-district-3-place-1-election/|access-date=2020-08-20|website=Bama Politics|date=July 8, 2020|language=en}}
Personal life
Harris worked as a furniture mover and also worked for UPS prior to becoming an MMA fighter. Harris is married to Angela Haley-Harris, they have four children. They are currently living in Homewood, Alabama, where their children attend school.[https://www.ufc.com/athlete/walt-harris Walt Harris UFC Profile. UFC.com. Retrieved on November 20, 2014]
=Murder of stepdaughter=
At the end of October 2019, news surfaced that Harris's stepdaughter, Aniah Blanchard, was reported missing on October 24, 2019. Soon after, Auburn police revealed that after finding evidence from Blanchard's vehicle, they suspected foul play regarding the disappearance.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/10/ufc-walt-harris-missing-stepdaughter-foul-play-according-to-police|title=Police: Evidence indicates foul play in case of Walt Harris' missing stepdaughter|date=October 31, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}} Subsequently, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey set up a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator, which was matched by an anonymous donor. Additionally, the UFC President Dana White and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones upped the ante by contributing $25,000 per person for the information.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/10/31/20941448/dana-white-governor-of-alabama-offer-reward-information-help-find-walt-harris-missing-stepdaughter|title=Dana White, Jon Jones and Governor of Alabama offer reward for information to help find Walt Harris' missing stepdaughter|author=Damon Martin|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=October 31, 2019}} The reward sum exceeded $100,000.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/aniah-blanchard-ufc-fighter-walt-harris-missing-stepdaughter-what-we-know|title=What we know about the case of UFC fighter Walt Harris' missing stepdaughter|date=November 12, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}
On November 6, 2019, the Auburn police department released surveillance footage from an Auburn convenience store, presenting the person suspected in the disappearance, later identified as Ibraheem Yazeed, a repeat offender. On November 8, 2019, Yazeed was captured as an out-of-state fugitive in Escambia County, Florida, and was extradited to Auburn.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/ufc-walt-harris-stepdaughter-aniah-blanchard-suspect-ibraheem-yazeed-arrested|title=Ibraheem Yazeed, wanted in disappearance of Walt Harris' stepdaughter, arrested in Florida|author=Kirsten Fiscus|date=November 8, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}} On November 20, 2019, Yazeed was charged with first-degree kidnapping in an Alabama court, and remains in jail without bond.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/11/20/20974407/suspect-charged-with-kidnapping-walt-harris-stepdaughter-denied-bond-ordered-to-submit-dna-testing|title=Suspect charged with kidnapping Walt Harris' stepdaughter denied bond, ordered to submit to DNA testing|date=November 20, 2019|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin}} On November 25, 2019, an Alabama district attorney announced that they had found the remains of a girl they believe to be Aniah Blanchard in neighboring Macon County.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/remains-found-believed-to-be-ufc-fighters-stepdaughter|title=Remains found believed to be UFC fighters' stepdaughter|date=November 25, 2019|publisher=cbs42.com}} Blanchard's remains were identified on November 27, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/27/us/aniah-blanchard-remains-identified/index.html|title = Remains positively identified as Aniah Blanchard, upgraded charges expected, authorities say| date=November 27, 2019 }} In late November 2019, two additional suspects, Antwain Fisher and David Lee Johnson Jr., were arrested and charged with first-degree kidnapping and hindering prosecution, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/aniah-blanchard-body-found-macon-county-alabama|title='Strong reason to believe' Aniah Blanchard's body found, DA says|author=Kirsten Fiscus|date=November 25, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/third-suspect-arrested-in-connection-with-aniah-blanchards-disappearance|title=Third suspect arrested in connection with Aniah Blanchard's disappearance|author=Kirsten Fiscus|date=November 25, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}} In December however, Fisher's charges were dropped with prejudice in Lee county.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/12/aniah-blanchard-antwain-fisher-kidnapping-case-dropped|title=Case dropped against Antwain Fisher in Aniah Blanchard's kidnapping|author=Kirsten Fiscus|date=December 18, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}} On November 28, 2019, police reports confirmed that the body found was indeed Harris's step daughter and an autopsy confirmed that Blanchard was killed by a gunshot wound. At the same time, the district attorney announced that capital murder charges were filed against Yazeed.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/12/2/20992653/walt-harris-stepdaughter-aniah-blanchard-killed-by-gunshot-prosecutors-seeking-death-penalty|title=Walt Harris' stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard killed by gunshot, prosecutors seeking death penalty|author=Damon Martin|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=December 2, 2019}} In late 2022, Yazeed was indicted with three counts of capital murder and could face death penalty or life sentence without parole for each, should he be convicted.{{cite web|url=https://www.al.com/news/2022/11/ibraheem-yazeed-indicted-on-capital-murder-charges-in-aniah-blanchards-2019-deadly-abduction.html|title=Ibraheem Yazeed indicted on capital murder charges in Aniah Blanchard's 2019 deadly abduction|date=November 15, 2022|author=Carol Robinson|work=Al.com}}
Championships and accomplishments
=Mixed martial arts=
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. Serghei Spivac and Aleksei Oleinik}}
- Amateur Boxing
- Golden Gloves Championship (Alabama)
- Golden Gloves Championship (Georgia)
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
|draws=
|nc=1
|ko-wins=13
|sub-wins=
|dec-wins=
|ko-losses=5
|sub-losses=1
|dec-losses=3
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=1
|other-wins=
|other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|{{nowrap|13–10 (1)}}
|TKO (punches)
|UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai
|{{dts|2021|June|5}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:06
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13–9 (1)
|TKO (body kick and punches)
|{{dts|2020|October|24}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|1:15
|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
|
|-
|{{no2}} Loss
|align=center|13–8 (1)
|TKO (punches)
|UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris
|{{dts|2020|May|16}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|3:00
|Jacksonville, Florida, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|13–7 (1)
|KO (knee and punches)
|UFC on ESPN: dos Anjos vs. Edwards
|{{dts|2019|July|20}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:12
|San Antonio, Texas, United States
|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|12–7 (1)
|TKO (punches)
|UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy
|{{dts|2019|May|4}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:50
|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}
|-
|{{nocontest}}NC
|align=center|11–7 (1)
|NC (overturned)
|{{dts|2018|December|29}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Inglewood, California, United States
|{{small|Originally a split decision win for Harris; overturned after he tested positive for LGD-4033.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|11–7
|KO (punches)
|UFC Fight Night: Rivera vs. Moraes
|{{dts|2018|June|1}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:59
|Utica, New York, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–7
|DQ (illegal kick)
|{{dts|2017|November|4}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:29
|New York City, New York, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–6
|Submission (armbar)
|{{dts|2017|October|7}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:05
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|10–5
|TKO (punches and elbows)
|UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Correia
|{{dts|2017|June|17}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:44
|Kallang, Singapore
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|9–5
|KO (knee and punches)
|UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Penn
|{{dts|2017|January|15}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:41
|Phoenix, Arizona, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|8–5
|Decision (split)
|UFC Fight Night: Lineker vs. Dodson
|{{dts|2016|October|1}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Portland, Oregon, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|8–4
|Cody East
|TKO (punches)
|{{dts|2016|April|23}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:18
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|7–4
|TKO (punches)
|UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Bisping
|{{dts|2014|November|7}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:49
|Sydney, Australia
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|7–3
|D.J. Linderman
|KO (punches)
|{{dts|2014|May|16}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:12
|Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|6–3
|TKO (head kick and punches)
|UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson
|{{dts|2014|January|25}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:25
|Chicago, Illinois, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|6–2
|Decision (unanimous)
|The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate Finale
|{{dts|2013|November|30}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–1
| Tony Melton
| TKO (punches)
| Strike Hard Productions 24
| {{dts|2013|June|15}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:00
| Birmingham, Alabama, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–1
| Josh Robertson
| TKO (punches)
| Strike Hard Productions 20
| {{dts|2012|December|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:06
| Birmingham, Alabama, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–1
| KO (punches)
| Superior Cage Combat 4: Grove vs. Silva
| {{dts|2012|February|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:15
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–1
| Cedric James
| KO (punches)
| Fight Time 7: The Return
| {{dts|2011|October|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:22
| Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–1
| Wes Little
| KO (punch)
| Fight Force International: Blood & Sand 9
| {{dts|2011|May|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:54
| Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 1–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| World Extreme Fighting 46
| {{dts|2011|April|22}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Orlando, Florida, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Justin Thornton
| TKO (punches)
| Hess Extreme Fighting
| {{dts|2011|March|15}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:16
| Panama City Beach, Florida, United States
|
{{end}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{UFC|walt-harris}}
- {{Sherdog|72046}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harris, Walt}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:American sportspeople in doping cases
Category:Doping cases in mixed martial arts
Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing
Category:Sportspeople from Birmingham, Alabama
Category:Mixed martial artists from Alabama
Category:Jacksonville State Gamecocks men's basketball players
Category:Sportspeople from Coconut Creek, Florida
Category:American men's basketball players