Nearly two years after a rare brain disease forced him out of his original debut, Josiah Harrell is finally set to make his first walk to the Octagon. The long-awaited opportunity comes against a formidable test in Jacoby Smith at UFC Houston on Saturday night.
Harrell (11-0) acknowledged the reality of competing with a serious medical condition, but made it clear fear isn’t driving his decision to return to the cage. Having come to terms with the risks that come with fighting, he said he’s made peace with whatever outcomes may follow.
“I don’t know about extra pressure. Some people are scared to die, I guess. If I do, then I get to be with the Lord,” Harrell told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“I’m not too worried about me dying. I’m not too worried about me getting hurt and that’s a part of the game. Anything that could happen I’ve already made peace with it.”
Harrell said any concern surrounding his return doesn’t come from within, but from those closest to him. While the risks are real, he understands that the emotional weight of the moment is likely to fall more heavily on his family and teammates than on himself. For his part, he’s embracing the nerves that come with fight week as part of the journey back.
“It’s going to be those guys,” Harrell said pointing to his team.
“That are going to be worried or sad about it. That’s the way it is. So when it comes to just pressure, I don’t mind that. When it comes to anxiety, I don’t mind that. It’s a part of the human body. I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to show my abilities and do what I need to do to get that arm raised Saturday night.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Josiah Harrell above. He faces Jacobe Smith at UFC Houston on Saturday night.
