What Happened to UFC Fighter Walt Harris? Tragedy, Comebacks, and His Current Status

By Ali Hammad June 18, 2025 09:56

Walt Harris, known as "The Big Ticket," is a heavyweight fighter whose UFC career has been marked by impressive knockouts, personal tragedy, and recent controversy. With a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 10 losses, Harris has been a fan favorite for his explosive fighting style and resilience inside the octagon. However, his journey has been anything but smooth, shaped by heartbreaking loss and a significant suspension that has put his fighting future in question.

Early Career and UFC Journey

Harris began his professional MMA career in 2011 and signed with the UFC in 2013. His early UFC tenure was rocky, with losses in his first two fights, including a quick TKO defeat by Nikita Krylov. After a brief stint outside the UFC, where he rebuilt his confidence with knockout wins in Titan FC, Harris returned to the UFC in 2016. From 2017 onward, he gained momentum, securing notable victories over fighters like Chase Sherman and Cyril Asker with his trademark knockout power.

Standing 6'5" with a 77-inch reach, Harris’s southpaw stance and striking accuracy made him a dangerous opponent. His record boasts 13 knockouts, highlighting his ability to finish fights decisively.

Personal Tragedy

In 2019, Harris faced profound personal tragedy when his 19-year-old stepdaughter, Aniah Blanchard, was kidnapped and murdered in Auburn, Alabama. This devastating event deeply affected Harris and his family, leading him to take time away from competition to grieve and support his loved ones. Harris has spoken openly about the impact of this loss, emphasizing how it changed his outlook on life and fighting. Despite the heartbreak, he returned to the octagon with renewed determination.

Comeback and Notable Fights

Harris’s comeback culminated in a high-profile fight against MMA veteran Alistair Overeem at UFC on ESPN 9 in May 2020. Although Harris lost via second-round TKO, the bout was a testament to his persistence and skill at the highest level of competition. Prior to that, he had built a reputation as an exciting knockout artist, never winning by decision but always delivering fan-pleasing finishes.

Suspension and UFC Release

In 2021, Harris’s career took a significant hit when he tested positive for multiple banned substances, resulting in a four-year suspension from competition. This ban, which extends through 2027, effectively sidelines him from the UFC and competitive MMA during what could have been his prime years. Following the suspension, the UFC officially removed Harris from its roster, ending his tenure with the promotion after 16 fights and six wins within the organization.

The suspension followed a three-fight losing streak, and while it cast a shadow over his career, many fans and analysts remember Harris for his exciting fighting style and resilience in the face of adversity.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of mid-2025, Walt Harris remains inactive in professional MMA due to the suspension. There has been speculation about his future in the sport, with some suggesting he could transition into coaching or other roles within the UFC, given his experience and popularity. Harris himself has expressed a desire to stay connected to the sport, though the lengthy ban poses a significant obstacle to any potential comeback.

Walt Harris’s story is one of highs and lows a fighter who electrified audiences with his knockout power but whose career was marred by personal tragedy and a career-altering suspension. His resilience in returning to the octagon after devastating loss earned him respect, but the doping violation and subsequent UFC release have left his future uncertain. As Harris navigates this challenging chapter, his legacy remains that of a powerful striker and a fighter who faced life’s toughest battles both inside and outside the cage.

With a record of 13-10 and a reputation as one of the UFC’s most entertaining heavyweights, Walt Harris’s journey underscores the complex realities athletes face beyond the spotlight. Whether he returns to fighting or finds a new path, his impact on the sport is undeniable.