UFC fighters pay tribute to Walt Harris after return to the Octagon months after tragic loss of stepdaughter

Harris receives messages from the likes of Ngannou, Cormier, Weidman and others as the MMA community stands together

‘The Big Ticket’ insists he will be back stronger after loss to Overeem on Saturday

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UFC heavyweight Walt Harris prepares for his bout against Alistair Overeem at UFC on ESPN at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:38pm, 18 May 2020Updated: 4:38pm, 18 May 2020

Several UFC fighters have expressed their respect for heavyweight Walt Harris after his first fight back since the tragic murder of his stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard last year.

“The Big Ticket” Harris, who lost to veteran Alistair Overeem via TKO at UFC on ESPN on Saturday, received the backing of UFC president Dana White before other fighters published positive messages on Twitter.

White had said that “win, lose or draw”, Harris’ return was a big win for his personal and professional life, while opponent Overeem has reached out to become training partners in future to “help both of us improve”.

“I’m very proud of [Walt Harris]. I can’t really imagine what he [had] been through but it must have been hell. Seeing him perform in the Octagon tonight just shows that we can overcome everything when we have a why. #RIPAniah,” tweeted fellow heavyweight Francis Ngannou.

Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman said: “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 [sportsman] Overeem is being. Respect [to] both!”