The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on UFC cards, but Harris still believes his bout with Overeem will happen on May 16.
“I’m hearing May 16 as a possible date that we could fight,” Harris told MMA Junkie. “He’s here. They have him quarantined right now. I’m hoping that it goes through. Every day is day-to-day. Some days, you never know. You could wake up and everything is going great. The next day, everything changes. We’ll see, man. I’m just trying to stay as ready as I possibly can during this time. Hopefully the fight will happen, man. It’ll be a great honor to get in there and fight Alistair.”
Harris and Overeem were first set to meet at UFC Fight Night Washington DC, but that encounter was canceled after Harris’ daughter Aniah Blanchard was kidnapped and later found murdered. The duo were then supposed to headline UFC Fight Night Portland, but that entire show was canceled due to the coronavirus.
One thing Harris readily admits is that all the fight cancellations and postponements have been frustrating.
“It’s frustrating from a personal standpoint as far as a fight and my career, but it’s a part of life,” Harris said. “Like you alluded to, I’ve been through a lot of things in my life. It’s just part of it, man. I think God does things on his own terms, so I don’t get stressed out about things. I just try to do my best to stay ready and stay focused and be ready when my number is called. It’s part of the process and my journey to the UFC – ups and downs. It’s nothing new. I just stay focused and keep going.”
UFC President Dana White did say the promotion will run weekly events, starting with UFC 249 on May 9, so there is a solid shot that Harris and Overeem will finally meet.
