FIGHTER FOCUS: Gerald Harris

Age: 30
Weight: 185 (Middleweight)
Record: 17-2
Promotion: UFC

Other: Collegiate Wrestler, Former stint in IFL, TUF 7 cast member, awarded 2 ko of the knight bonuses, made Sportscenter top plays after fight with Dave Branch

Snippets:

Very few individuals in this great sport have a story as amazing as Gerald’s. Gerald entered MMA as a collegiate wrestler as many have come on previous routes. After an impressive 7-0 start on smaller promotions, Gerald was invited to the IFL, a new, though short lived fight promotion. Harris suffered his first two loses of his career, and the only ones to this date (with the exception of one exhibition loss). Gerald credits the losses to both the fact that, at the time, he was not a complete mixed martial artist.

Despite the losses, shortly after, Harris was invited to participate in season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Geral lost in the opening round of the tournament to the seasons eventual winner, Amir Sadollah. Despite another setback, unfortunately, Gerald never received a call back from the UFC to participate in the seasons finale, thus leaving him on a path back to smaller, local cards.

Harris, as stated in multiple interviews with MMA Junkie Radio, claims that this road was both a humbling experience, as well as a great learning tool. While outside of the UFC, Gerald built an impressive 7 fight win streak.

After appearing on multiple in studio sessions with the MMA Junkie Radio guys, Gerald became an instant fan favorite. After UFC president, Dana White, appeared for the first time on the show, Gerald called into the show amongst jammed pack phone lines to inform Dana of his win streak, and that he looked to make his way back to the UFC. Upon hearing Gerald’s plea, Dana informed Harris that he should get in touch with him and they would work something out. Gerald’s tenacity and drive ultimately landed him a contract with the UFC.

Since being in the organization, Harris has fought on 3 consecutive undercards against tough undefeated opponents, even snagging 2 knock out of the night bonuses, and ultimately extended his win streak to 10. In his most recent victory, Gerald fought up and comer Dave Branch, and finally made the televised portion of the card with a devastating slam on his opponent, gaining his second KO of the knight bonus,as well as landing him on ESPN’s Sportcenter top plays.

The noetriety has undoubtably landed Gerald amongst the top up and comers in the UFC, as well as the 185 division. Though this is the case, Gerald remains a humble individual, and looks to prove himself against a top opponent in his next fight.

For more on Gerald, visit www.geraldhurricaneharris.com