Getty Alistair Overeem consoles Walt Harris after their heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 16, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Walt “The Big Ticket” Harris stepped into the Octagon for the main event of UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris, his first fight since the death of his stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard. The fight did not pan out the way Harris hoped, however, losing to Alistair Overeem in the second round of their heavyweight bout.
The Big Ticket came out strong in the first round of their fight, hurting Overeem and almost finishing the competitor. The crafty Overeem was able to withstand Harris’ storm, and the veteran survived the barrage of strikes.
Overeem then took the fight over, dominating Harris in the latter part of the first round, and ultimately finishing The Big Ticket by mounted strikes three minutes into the second frame.
With the loss, Harris’ professional mixed martial arts record fell to 13-8 and one no contest. This defeat also ended the fighter’s two-fight win streak and marked his first loss since 2017. Overeem’s record improved to 46-18 and one no contest. The fighter is now 3-1 in his last four matches.
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Fighters React to Harris’ Loss to Overeem on Saturday Night
With this fight being Harris’ first bout since Blanchard’s death, fighters shared their thoughts about the heartbreaking loss. Women’s strawweight fighter Lauren Murphy tweeted:
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping tweeted:
Respect to both gentlemen here.
He said, “Respect to both gentlemen here.”
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman tweeted:
Man I think everyone watching this right now has to be pulling for Walt Harris after what he’s been through. Can’t imagine ! So much respect 🙏🙌
Really sad to see him lose but makes it way better seeing how good of a sportsmen Overeem is being. Respect fo both !
He wrote, “Man I think everyone watching this right now has to be pulling for Walt Harris after what he’s been through. Can’t imagine ! So much respect.” Weidman also said, “Really sad to see him lose but makes it way better seeing how good of a sportsmen Overeem is being. Respect fo both!”
Top women’s featherweight Megan Anderson tweeted:
She said, “Great win for Overeem but cant help but feel for Walt tonight. Words cannot describe how inspiring he is for what he did tonight. All the love to him and his family.”
UFC middleweight Derek Brunson tweeted:
Man if they don’t get them damn cameras out of Harris face … #UFCFL
He said, “Man if they don’t get them damn cameras out of Harris face …”
Bellator fighter and Conor McGregor’s training partner Dillon Danis tweeted:
He said, “respect to the reem one of my favorite fighters but man walt harris is a living legend to step in that octagon with everything he’s gone though so much respect a true samurai.”
UFC welterweight fighter Belal Muhammad tweeted:
So much respect for Walt to come in tonight and put on a show 🙏🙏
He said, “So much respect for Walt to come in tonight and put on a show.”
Harris Posted on Social Media After His Fight on Saturday Night
Harris took to social media after his fight with Overeem. He posted on Instagram:
Harris said:
First let me thank @alistairovereem for sharing the octagon we me tonight… You’re a class act brother and a legend! Tonight wasn’t my night, but you best believe I will be back better! Thank 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
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