JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Classy in defeat, Walt Harris wasted no time in issuing a statement after his UFC on ESPN 8 loss to Alistair Overeem on Saturday.
Hours after the conclusion of his main event fight, Harris (13-8 MMA, 6-7 UFC) posted an image on Instagram of the moment he shared with Overeem (46-18 MMA, 11-7 UFC) after the second-round TKO stoppage.
Harris, 36, thanked Overeem for the opportunity. He also thanked his followers for their love and support. Additionally, Harris made a vow to Aniah Blanchard, his stepdaughter who was found killed this past fall, to keep pushing forward.
“First let me thank (Alistair Overeem) for sharing the octagon we me tonight… You’re a class act brother and a legend!” Harris wrote. “Tonight wasn’t my night, but you best believe I will be back better! Thank to everyone for all your love and support can’t say it enough! We learn and grow!
“Baby girl… daddy loves you and I promise I will keep pushing! #ForeverAniah”
UFC on ESPN 8 took place Saturday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The card airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+. The card marked the third and final in an eight-day stretch for the promotion in Jacksonville.
Check out Walt Harris’ Instagram post below:
