Walt Harris Makes Statement Following UFC On ESPN 8 Loss

Walt Harris didn’t get his storybook ending last night at UFC on ESPN 8. However, he was able to walk away from the event with his head held high and the knowledge that his fellow UFC fighters and the MMA community had nothing but admiration and respect for what he did inside the octagon on Saturday night.

Harris had not fought since his stepdaughter, Aniah Blanchard, was abducted and later found murdered in late 2019. His matchup against Alistair Overeem in the headlining bout of UFC on ESPN 8 was supposed to be his triumphant return to the octagon. That wasn’t to be. Overeem scored a TKO win at the 3:00 mark of the second round of their heavyweight matchup. 

After the loss, Harris released a statement on social media.

“First let me thank (Alistair Overeem) 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”

The loss ended Harris’ four-fight unbeaten streak, but his performance brought messages of support and encouragement from the MMA community.

“I said to you guys a few days ago,” UFC president Dana White said at the post-fight press conference. “Win, lose, or draw, being here is a win for him. He got through tonight and you have to understand. Who knows what was going through that guy’s body, head, the whole deal?”

UFC on ESPN 8 took place Saturday night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. ESPN and ESPN+ carry the entire fight card.