There might not be a heavyweight in the UFC that you would want to root for more than the Big Ticket, Walt Harris (13-8, 1 NC). Harris has been through more over the last 12 months than anyone should ever have to go through.
Just about a year ago, Harris’ step-daughter, Aniah Blanchard, was murdered. This completely turned the world upside down for the top UFC heavyweight contender. Harris had two sensational knockouts in 2019 prior to the tragedy.
After the tragedy occurred, Harris had to step away for a few months understandably. Harris returned to the UFC back in May where he took on Alistair Overeem. However, you could tell that Harris was still carrying a lot of that emotional weight.
Harris stormed out of the gate dropping and nearly finishing Overeem in the first round. However, the veteran Overeem survived and went on to finish a tired Harris in the second round. However, it was a victory for Harris just getting back into the cage.
This Saturday night at UFC 254, Harris will make the walk for the second time since the tragedy. He has a lot of motivation and he seems to have his confidence back. Harris showed off that confidence this week.
UFC 254 heavyweight matchup
“My striking is way better than his (Alexander Volkov). I feel like I’m the best striker in the division in my personal opinion,” Harris told reporters this week at the UFC 254 media day. Harris takes on Alexander Volkov (31-8) this weekend on the main card of the PPV.
These comments were met with laugher from Volkov who has a prestigious striking pedigree. He firmly believes that he will be the best striker in the cage on Saturday night. The former Bellator heavyweight champion is looking to bounce back Saturday night.
Back in 2018, Volkov was perhaps only a victory away from a UFC title shot. However, Derrick Lewis knocked him out in the final fifteen seconds of their fight. Volkov was also defeated by Curtis Blaydes earlier this year at UFC on ESPN 11.
Both of these heavyweight contenders have something to prove on Saturday night. They will walk into UFC 254 trying to re-establish themselves as top contenders in the division. The winner will be right back into the conversation near the top of the division.