Walt Harris (fighter)

Walt Harris (born June 10, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship where was a former Heavyweight contender. A professional since 2011, Harris has also formerly competed for Titan FC.

Background

Before entering mixed martial arts in 2010, Harris was a basketball player at Jacksonville State University.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Harris competed as an amateur from 2009–2010, compiling a record of 4–1. He made his professional debut on March 15, 2011, when he faced Justin Thornton at HEF: Hess Extreme Fighting. He won via first-round TKO, just sixteen seconds into the first round. Following this, Harris compiled a record of 6–1, with wins over Tony Melton and UFC veteran Anthony Hamilton, before signing with UFC in the fall of 2013.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On September 19, 2013, it was announced that Harris had signed with the UFC, and he faced fellow newcomer Jared Rosholt at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale on November 30, 2013. Despite dropping Rosholt in the first round, Rosholt rallied back and Harris lost the fight via unanimous decision.

In his second fight with the promotion, Harris faced Nikita Krylov at UFC on Fox 10 on January 25, 2014. Though he was the considerable favorite coming into the bout, Harris was staggered by a head kick from Krylov, and after follow-up strikes on the ground from Krylov, he lost the bout via TKO, just 25 seconds into the first round. After dropping to 0–2 in the UFC, Harris was subsequently released from the promotion.