The main event of UFC on ESPN 8 was a back and forth fight with Alistair Overeem getting the comeback win against the returning Walt Harris.
If it felt like the entire MMA world was behind Walt Harris at UFC on ESPN 8 Saturday night, it was for good reason. And by now, that reason was well known. Returning from the tragic loss of his step-daughter Aniah, Harris returned to the Octagon to face longtime veteran Alistair Overeem.
Wins don’t replace lives, but fans still wanted to see Harris with his hand raised. Sadly, that wouldn’t be the result fans got.
Walt Harris opened up with lots of feints, attempting to cut off the cage against the very mobile Alistair Overeem. Overeem threw a spinning back kick that connected. Harris jumped in with a combination that missed, and Harris followed up with another combination up against the fence that dropped Overeem! Harris jumped on with lots of ground and pound, and Overeem was bleeding everywhere! Overeem got back to his feet, and Harris threw a kick and missed. Harris tripped and Overeem got Harris’ back! Overeem landed some ground and pound while he bled everywhere. Overeem moved into full mount and ended the round on the feet after Harris moved his way back to his feet.
Overeem started the round looking like the fresher fighter. Harris attempted to pump the jab while Overeem looked to find his shot. Find his shot he would, as Overeem landed a huge head kick, followed by a right hand that dropped Harris! Overeem got on Harris’ back and started raining down blows. Overeem flattened him out and started laying down the punches! After Harris couldn’t move and ate many shots, Overeem soon got the finish.
For all that Walt Harris went through over the past year, even getting back into the cage is an accomplishment in his own right. He also showed in his first headlining fight that he belongs with some of the greatest heavyweights like Alistair Overeem. As for Overeem, what a comeback win for the veteran, securing the 46th win of his MMA career.
Alistair Overeem def. Walt Harris by TKO (Punches) in Round 2 (3:00)
