Walt Harris fought Alistair Overeem in the main event of UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs Harris. The fight was rescheduled twice. First, they were set to meet last December, and later, the duo was to headline the event at Oregon last month. The former was postponed because of a personal tragedy that Harris referenced in an emotional post-fight speech.
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Walt Harris delivers an emotional post-fight speech
‘The Big Ticket’ stepped into the Octagon for the first time since his stepdaughter Aniah’s murder. He went down to ‘The Demolition Man’ via TKO in the second round. However, there was a show of respect between the fighters immediately after the bout.
In the post-fight interview, Paul Felder said “nothing but respect for you for coming in here.” He gave the 9th ranked Heavyweight the opportunity to express himself.
Nothing but love & respect for Walt Harris.
Definition of a warrior #RIPAniah pic.twitter.com/bxjEd6oAms
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 17, 2020
“First I just I want to say thank you. First and foremost to the UFC, they’ve been amazing through this whole process. My wife, my family and I are so grateful. We owe you guys everything. Thank you so much, Dana. Everybody Mick, Hunter everybody all the way down to the equipment people. I’m so grateful to you guys.”
‘The Big Ticket’ broke down as he continued.
“Second I want to thank my gym. My Coach. I love you so much, brother. He was with me every day through everything and you know my teammates, my brothers, everybody man. Lastly, I want to thank my community, Homewood. I love you guys. I’m sorry I couldn’t get the W for you guys. You’ve been there for my family and I through everything and lastly to the fans. I know you couldn’t be in here. Y’all at home watching I’m sorry I’ll be back better. I promise you. You haven’t seen the last of ‘The Big Ticket’. I’m a go home and heal emotionally and physically and I promise you I’ll be better.”
‘The Big Ticket’ certainly has the respect of the MMA community. Fans will be enthused by the fact that he had ‘The Demolition Man’ on the ground early in the first round, and will hope he can deal with fate’s cruel blow and come back stronger.
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