UFC: Alistair Overeem says he ‘honoured’ Walt Harris’ personal tragedy by ‘bringing my best’ in TKO win

Overeem, who has children of his own, pays respects to Harris after the death of his stepdaughter last year

UFC president White says ‘win, lose or draw, being here is a win’ for Harris in first fight first since tragedy

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UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem embraces opponent Walt Harris after their heavyweight bout at UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:11pm, 17 May 2020Updated: 12:39am, 18 May 2020

Alistair Overeem said the only way he could honour opponent Walt Harris’ “personal tragedy” was by bringing his “best version” to the fight.

Overeem (46-18, one no contest), who won via second-round TKO at UFC on ESPN in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, paid his respects in the cage after Harris’ (13-8, one no contest) first fight back since the tragic death of his stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard last year.

“It’s definitely a personal tragedy that he’s been through. It’s really good for him that he got back on the horse and continues competing. For me to honour him, I just needed to bring my best version tonight,” Overeem said. The former Strikeforce, Dream and K1 champion turns 40 this weekend.

Harris had dropped Overeem in the first round and appeared to expend a lot of energy trying to get the finish. The 6”4’ (193cm) American tired out in the following round and allowed Overeem to get a knockdown of his own.

“I was definitely in trouble because number one I got dropped and number two I got cut,” Overeem said. “You have a man who’s 275 [pounds] standing over you trying to finish you, so definitely we were in trouble. He’s very athletic, very fast, very powerful. Fortunately I was able to reverse the situation and get the finish on Walt.”