Walt Harris

Fighter Facts

• Played basketball at Jacksonville State University
   
• Pro since 2011
   
• Has 3-2, 1 NC record in last six fights
   
• All wins by knockout, 11 in the first round, nine in two minutes or less
   
• Lone pre-UFC loss was via decision to Chris Barnett in 2011. Barnett came in 29 pounds overweight for the fight.

UFC History

UFC 254 (10/24/20) Harris was stopped by Alexander Volkov via strikes at 1:15 of the second round
UFC on ESPN (5/16/20) Harris was stopped by Alistair Overeem via strikes at 3:00 of the second round
UFC on ESPN (7/20/19) Harris knocked out Aleksei Oleinik at :12 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (5/4/19) Harris stopped Serghei Spivac via strikes at :50 of the first round
UFC 232 (12/29/18) Harris’ win over Andrei Arlovski was overturned to a no contest when Harris failed a drug test
UFC Fight Night (6/1/18) Harris stopped Daniel Spitz via strikes at 4:59 of the second round
UFC 217 (11/4/17) Harris was disqualified for an illegal head kick against Mark Godbeer at 4:29 of the first round
UFC 216 (10/7/17) Harris was submitted by Fabricio Werdum via armbar at 1:05 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (6/17/17) Harris stopped Cyril Asker via strikes at 1:44 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (1/15/17) Harris knocked out Chase Sherman at 2:41 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (10/1/16) Harris lost a three round split decision to Shamil Abdurakhimov
UFC 197 (4/23/16) Harris stopped Cody East via strikes at 4:18 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (11/7/14) Harris was stopped by Soa Palelei via strikes at 4:49 of the second round
UFC on FOX (1/25/14) Harris was stopped by Nikita Krylov via strikes at :25 of the first round
TUF 18 Finale (11/30/13) Harris lost a three round unanimous decision to Jared Rosholt

Q&A

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in 2008 as a way to get back in shape after my basketball career came to an end. 
What ranks and titles have you held? Alabama Golden Gloves Champion, Georgia Golden Gloves Champion, Paul Murphy Classic Heavyweight Champion, ISKA and ACF Heavyweight Champion, Southern Fighting Alliance Heavyweight Champion, NAGA Super Heavyweight Champion, Copa Grappling Champion
Do you have any heroes? I come from a family of heroes, specifically my mother and my uncle, who were great role models for me growing up. My sports heroes are Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, Charles Barkley.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is a dream come true.  It is an accomplishment and an achievement and proof that hard work does pay off.  It is a lifelong dream for me to enter the UFC cage and win the world title.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I earned an Associates degree in Physical Education from Jacksonville State and Pikeville College.
What was your job before you started fighting? I moved furniture for a moving company and also worked for UPS.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition?  In amateur competition I earned a record of 23-1, with all my wins coming by way of KO or TKO.
Favorite grappling technique: Head and Arm Choke and Triangle Choke.
Favorite Striking technique: Lead Uppercut