UFC parts ways with heavyweight knockout artist after 4-year ban

Mathew Riddle | Mar 29, 2025

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

UFC has parted ways with another mainstay fighter following a four-year suspension.

Adam Hagy-Imagn Images

Walt Harris released from UFC roster

The UFC heavyweight division is already shallow, with an estimated 30 athletes on the roster, but now it's one less with the removal of Walt Harris. Harris was suspended in 2021 for four years after an anti-doping violation, and has now been officially removed from the roster.

Walt Harris has been removed from the UFC roster, per UFC officials.

Harris hasn’t fought since 2021 and he was handed a 4 year suspension after testing positive for steroids that doesn’t end until 2027. Now he’s been removed from the UFC roster

H/T @guicruzzz #UFC

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) March 26, 2025

Harris was a veteran of 16 UFC fights, winning six of them. He headlined one Fight Night against MMA veteran Alistair Overeem in May 2020, where he was finished with strikes in the second round. Harris' doping violation came after a three-fight skid.

While it lasted, Harris was one of the most entertaining fighters on the roster and never won by decision. He unfortunately lost his stepdaughter in 2019, Aniah Blanchard, who was kidnapped and murdered. Harris was knocked out by Overeem around this time and never recouped.

With any luck, the UFC will support Harris with a desk job, as he has showed great promise before.

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