And worst case scenario, Harris has more than enough stories to share from his 35 years on Earth.
“I’ve been blessed beyond measure to meet the people I’ve met, do the stuff that I got to do,” he said. “It’s been an awesome ride so far. I’m looking forward to more for sure.”
What kind of stuff? Whether college basketball at Jacksonville State University, sparring with heavyweight boxing champs or fighting in venues from Singapore and Sydney to Las Vegas and New York, Harris has had life experiences few can claim, and it’s something he does want to pass on to his kids.
“I try to create memories for my children,” he said. “Of course I give them things because I didn’t have that when I was coming up and I try to overcompensate for the fact that I didn’t have a dad growing up, so I do try to make sure they have whatever they need. But, at the same time, I try to teach them the values of hard work, and when we do get to go do things, I try to make sure they understand why we’re getting to do it. It just doesn’t happen. You have to work your way towards certain things and be dedicated to something to get what you want out of life.”
Walt Harris has proved his dedication, pushing past a late start to become a fighter on the verge in the UFC’s heavyweight division.
“I definitely see that,” he said. “When I got the call to fight him, that was the first thought: this is your time. I feel like I’m one of the best heavyweights in the division. I’ve just had a set of circumstances that are different from everybody else’s and I’m willing to take chances that I think a lot of heavyweights aren’t. I don’t turn down fights, and if the chance comes, I’m going. This is my chance to set myself up for the rest of my career and make my name known and have people say, ‘Look out for this guy,’ like they did when I first signed with the UFC. I feel like it’s my time to re-do all the things that I’ve lost, all the ups and downs that I had in my career. December 29, you’re gonna see an all-new me and you’re gonna see a new me moving forward through the rest of my career.”
Just don’t bring Christmas and his old gig as a UPS driver.
“I would take a punch in the face all day over sitting in that cold steel truck,” he laughs.
