Gerald Harris
Born (1979-11-19) November 19, 1979
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Other namesHurricane, Slam King
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Middleweight
Fighting out ofTulsa, Oklahoma
Years active2006–2019
Mixed martial arts record
Total35
Wins26
By knockout15
By submission2
By decision9
Losses8
By knockout1
By submission2
By decision5
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Gerald Harris (born November 19, 1979) is an American retired mixed martial artist who most recently fought in Bellator. He was a cast member of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter 7 and has also competed in World Series of Fighting, the UFC, DREAM, the Portland Wolfpack in the IFL, Shark Fights, Tachi Palace Fights, and Legacy Fighting Championship.

Early life

Gerald Harris attended East Central High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, then wrestled in college for Cleveland State University where he owns the all-time record for wins on the wrestling team. Also while attending CSU, Harris was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.[1][2]

Mixed martial arts

Harris stumbled into mixed martial arts by accident after a friend convinced him to do it for fun and with Harris needing money, he agreed. He took an exhibition fight for $200, with the money he bought a "ragged Mustang to get around town." He beat his opponent so badly that he was invited to join the tournament and thus his professional fighting career began in August 2006. Harris won his first five matches before losing a controversial split decision to Fabio Leopoldo in his IFL debut.

After being on The Ultimate Fighter, Gerald went to train with Rampage Jackson for five weeks in Liverpool, England, and was very close to signing with Bellator Fighting Championships and taking part in their first season middleweight tournament.

When Gerald fell into financial problems, he was forced to move with his mother to Arizona, resulting in Gerald asking to be cut from his fight team, Team Quest. In Arizona he began training with C.B. Dollaway, Jamie Varner and Ryan Bader at Arizona Combat Sports.[3] He left the team not long after starting and moved to Denver, Colorado, to train with Trevor Wittman at the Grudge Training Center.

The Ultimate Fighter

Harris was on the Spike TV reality show The Ultimate Fighter as a member of Team Rampage. He got on the show by defeating Mike Madallo [4] but lost by knockout in the second round to Amir Sadollah, who was the eventual winner of that season.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Harris was signed to the UFC after calling into MMA Junkie Radio with the special guest being President of the UFC, Dana White. Harris called the show, changing his voice, and began praising himself in the third person. Finally, Harris came out and identified himself, then he informed White of his desire to fight for the promotion and told him of his current winning streak. White congratulated Harris and told him to call the office for a talk, the talk entailed getting Harris signed to a four fight deal with the UFC.

He was set to make his debut for the UFC against Mike Massenzio on January 11, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 20, replacing an injured Tim Credeur.[5] Instead he fought John Salter, who stepped in for the injured Massenzio.[6] He would later go on to defeat Salter by TKO in the third round and win Knockout of the Night.

In his second appearance in the UFC, he fought on the UFC Fight Night 21 card against recent signing Mario Miranda. The fight took place March 31, 2010, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Harris won the fight by TKO due to punches in the first round.[7]

Harris next faced Renzo Gracie BJJ black belt, David Branch, on the under card of UFC 116. Harris won via knockout after a brutal slam at 3:25 of the third round. The knockout was awarded "Knockout of the Night," giving Harris his second post fight bonus and an extra $75,000 to his pay.[8] The knockout was also shown on numerous sport's highlight shows, including ESPN's Sportscenter.

Harris was expected to face Alessio Sakara on August 28, 2010, at UFC 118, replacing an injured Jorge Rivera.[9] However, Sakara was also forced off the card with an injury and replaced by Joe Vedepo.[10] Then on August 18, it was announced that the Harris/Vedepo bout had been scrapped from the card.[11] Harris was brought in as an alternative for the week of the event, and was given a fight purse for dieting, training and flying out to Boston.[12]

Once again, Harris faced a UFC newcomer in Maiquel Falcão on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123[13] Harris lost the fight via unanimous decision and in a surprising move to many observers, was subsequently released by the promotion despite having won all 3 of his fights in it.[14][15][16]

Post UFC

Following his release, Harris fought James Head on February 11, 2011, for Oklahoma's Xtreme Fight Night MMA. The fight was back and forth throughout the three rounds. Harris lost the fight via decision.[17][18]

Harris then fought at Tachi Palace Fights 9 against journeyman Anthony Ruiz. He went on to win that fight via unanimous decision, and ended up breaking his hand in the process.

DREAM/ Legacy FC

On July 25, 2011, Harris announced on his personal Twitter that he had signed a multi-fight deal with Japanese promotion, DREAM. In his debut, Harris faced fellow UFC veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura at Dream 17.[19] He won the fight via split decision.

Harris fought Eric Davila on Feb. 24, 2012 in the main event of Legacy Fighting Championship 10.[20] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Harris fought Mike Bronzoulis in his welterweight debut on May 11, 2012, at Legacy Fighting Championship 11. He defeated Bronzoulis by split decision.

World Series of Fighting

Harris signed with World Series of Fighting in late 2012 and made his promotional debut at WSOF 1 on November 3, 2012, against Josh Burkman. Harris lost the fight via unanimous decision.

In his second fight with the promotion, Harris fought Jorge Santiago at WSOF 4. The bout had a confusing first round where Harris slammed Santiago and believed he had tapped. However, the referee was stopping the action to deduct a point from Santiago for blatantly grabbing the cage during Harris' slam. Despite the confusion, Harris went on to win the fight via unanimous decision.

Harris announced his retirement from MMA on April 22, 2014.[21][22]

MMA return

After two-and-a-half years away from the sport, Harris returned to active competition in December 2016. He faced Aaron Cobb at Legacy Fighting Championship 63 on December 2, 2016. What was originally scheduled to be a welterweight bout turned into a heavyweight bout after Cobb missed weight by showing up more than 50 pounds above the welterweight limit. Harris won the fight via knockout due to a slam in the first minute of the first round.[23]

On October 21, 2017, Harris stepped into the cage for his last professional fight against Matt McKeon at Xtreme Fight Night at Tulsa Oklahoma. He went into retirement with a win via a violent slam.[24]

Bellator MMA

Harris stepped in as a last-minute replaced for John Salter against Rafael Lovato Jr. at Bellator 198 on April 28, 2018. Due to the lateness of the booking, the bout was contested at a catchweight of 188 pounds.[25] Harris lost the bout via submission in the first round.[26] Soon after the Lovato fight, Harris signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator.[27]

In his second fight for the promotion, Harris faced Yaroslav Amosov at Bellator 202 on July 13, 2018, losing via unanimous decision.

Harris faced Anatoly Tokov at Bellator 218 on March 22, 2019. Harris managed to drop Tokov during the fight, but Tokov recovered and eventually submitted Harris via ten-finger guillotine choke. Following the loss, Harris announced that the fight was the last fight of his contract, and retired for the second time in his career.[28]

Despite retiring earlier in 2019, Harris returned to the competition again with hopes to jumpstart his career and faced Seth Baczynski at C3 Fights 48 on November 23, 2019. He won the fight via unanimous decision and once again declared his retirement from the sport.[29]

Personal life

Gerald's brother Corey was killed in March 2009. A teenage driver making a quick left turn had collided with his motorcycle, killing him instantly.[30] Despite this Gerald fought seven days later and dedicated his victory to his brother.[30] Gerald Harris also teaches Social Studies at Union High School in Tulsa, OK.

Harris is married to his wife Nicci and they have a blended family of eight children. Previously in an interview, Harris revealed that his biological children were taken away from him the weekend he fought Josh Burkman in 2012 during his divorce which was eventually overturned and he regained custody. In that same interview he said that he actually didn't retire from the sport in 2013, but was forced on a hiatus due to the ongoing divorce and custody issues but is now happily married.[29]

Championships and achievements

Collegiate wrestling

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
35 matches 26 wins 8 losses
By knockout 15 1
By submission 2 2
By decision 9 5
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 26–8–1 Seth Baczynski Decision (unanimous) C3 Fights 48 November 23, 2019 3 5:00 Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 25–8–1 Anatoly Tokov Submission (guillotine choke) Bellator 218 March 22, 2019 2 0:37 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Draw 25–7–1 Hracho Darpinyan Draw (majority) Bellator 210 November 30, 2018 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Return to Middleweight.
Loss 25–7 Yaroslav Amosov Decision (unanimous) Bellator 202 July 13, 2018 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 25–6 Rafael Lovato Jr. Submission (armbar) Bellator 198 April 28, 2018 1 1:11 Rosemont, Illinois, United States Catchweight (188 lb) bout.
Win 25–5 Matt McKeon KO (slam) Xtreme Fight Night 344 October 21, 2017 4 2:22 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States Won the XFN Welterweight Championship.
Win 24–5 Brian Green Decision (unanimous) Xtreme Fight Night 343 August 25, 2017 3 5:00 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States Middleweight bout.
Win 23–5 Aaron Cobb KO (slam) Legacy Fighting Championship 63 December 2, 2016 1 0:43 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States Catchweight (225 lb) bout.
Win 22–5 Jorge Santiago Decision (unanimous) WSOF 4 August 10, 2013 3 5:00 Ontario, California, United States
Loss 21–5 Josh Burkman Decision (unanimous) WSOF 1 November 3, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 21–4 Mike Bronzoulis Decision (split) Legacy Fighting Championship 11 May 11, 2012 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States Welterweight debut.
Win 20–4 Eric Davila Decision (unanimous) Legacy Fighting Championship 10 February 24, 2012 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 19–4 Kazuhiro Nakamura Decision (split) Dream 17 September 24, 2011 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 18–4 Anthony Ruiz Decision (unanimous) Tachi Palace Fights 9 May 5, 2011 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss 17–4 James Head Decision (unanimous) Xtreme Fight Night 2: Harris vs. Head February 25, 2011 3 5:00 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 17–3 Maiquel Falcão Decision (unanimous) UFC 123 November 20, 2010 3 5:00 Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
Win 17–2 David Branch KO (slam) UFC 116 July 3, 2010 3 2:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 16–2 Mario Miranda TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Gomi March 31, 2010 1 4:49 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Win 15–2 John Salter TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz January 11, 2010 3 3:24 Fairfax, Virginia, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 14–2 Nissen Osterneck KO (punch) Shark Fights 6: Stars & Stripes September 12, 2009 1 0:46 Amarillo, Texas, United States Won the Shark Fights Middleweight Championship.
Win 13–2 David Knight KO (punches) Slammin Jammin Weekend 2 March 28, 2009 1 1:38 Red Rock, Oklahoma, United States
Win 12–2 Travis Doerge Submission (guillotine choke) C3 Fights: Knockout Rockout Weekend January 30, 2009 1 2:32 Clinton, Oklahoma, United States
Win 11–2 Jay Ford TKO (submission to punches) Freestyle Cage Fighting 25 November 15, 2008 1 3:43 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Win 10–2 Mitch Whitesel Decision (unanimous) C3 Fights: Showdown 2 August 16, 2008 3 5:00 Cherokee, North Carolina, United States
Win 9–2 Brandon McDowell TKO (submission to punches) C3 Fights: Battle on the Border 2 July 12, 2008 1 1:21 Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States
Win 8–2 Jeremija Sanders TKO (punches) FTP: Global Showdown November 3, 2007 1 0:30 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 7–2 Benji Radach TKO (punches) IFL: 2007 Semifinals August 2, 2007 1 3:03 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 7–1 Fabio Leopoldo Decision (split) IFL: Connecticut April 13, 2007 3 4:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 7–0 Curtis Stout KO (slam and punches) Titan FC 7 March 23, 2007 1 4:57 Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Win 6–0 Travis Fowler Decision (unanimous) Freestyle Cage Fighting 9 March 10, 2007 3 5:00 Ponca City, Oklahoma, United States
Win 5–0 Harvell Hunter KO (punches) Freestyle Cage Fighting 8 February 10, 2007 1 N/A Ponca City, Oklahoma, United States
Win 4–0 Bubba McDaniel TKO (slam) Freestyle Cage Fighting 6 November 3, 2006 2 4:55 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States Won the FCF Middleweight Tournament.
Win 3–0 Joe Bunch TKO (punches) FCF: Brawl For It All October 7, 2006 2 1:58 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Win 2–0 Chester Lauchner Submission (verbal) FCF: Brawl For It All August 19, 2006 2 1:06 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Win 1–0 Ryan Lopez TKO (submission to punches) FCFP: Friday Night Fights August 11, 2006 2 0:49 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 1–1 Amir Sadollah TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs Team Forrest 2008 2 2:36 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Preliminary bout.
Win 1–0 Mike Madallo Decision (Unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs Team Forrest 2008 2 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Elimination bout.

References

  1. ↑ "Cleveland State's Mat King Wants a New Crown". Cleveland State Men's Wrestling. March 3, 2003. Retrieved 2016-11-22.
  2. ↑ "Gerald Harris CSU wrestler". The Cleveland Stater. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2014-01-01.
  3. ↑ "Interview with Gerald Harris". 28 July 2008.
  4. ↑ "– GERALD HARRIS STARTS OVER, AGAIN, AT UFC 116". MMAWeekly.com. 2010-06-29. Retrieved 2022-06-12.
  5. ↑ "Tim Credeur out, UFC newcomer Gerald Harris in at UFC Fight Night 20 in January". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2009-12-14. Retrieved 2009-12-11.
  6. ↑ "John Salter tapped as late replacement, meets Gerald Harris at UFC Fight Night 20". MMAjunkie.
  7. ↑ "Gerald Harris meets undefeated UFC newcomer Mario Miranda at UFC Fight Night 21". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2010-02-14.
  8. ↑ "UFC 116 fighter bonuses: Six fighters each earn $75,000 awards | MMAjunkie.com". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2010-07-06.
  9. ↑ "Gerald Harris steps in for injured Jorge Rivera, faces Alessio Sakara at UFC 118". mmajunkie.com. July 23, 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-07-25.
  10. ↑ "Joe Vedepo replaces Alessio Sakara, faces Gerald Harris at UFC 118". mmajunkie.com. August 5, 2010. Archived from the original on August 17, 2010.
  11. ↑ "UFC 118 fight card complete with 10 bous; Harris vs. Vedepo off preliminary card". mmajunkie.com. August 18, 2010. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010.
  12. ↑ "UFC 118's Forgotten Man: Gerald Harris, the Fighter Without a Fight". 28 August 2010.
  13. ↑ "Maiquel Falcao vs. Gerald Harris in the works for UFC 123 in November". mmajunkie.com. September 14, 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-09-17.
  14. ↑ "Gerald Harris Released Following Loss At UFC 123". mmaweekly.com. November 23, 2010.
  15. ↑ "The Great Gerald Harris Debate: The UFC Sends Fighters a Clear Message". bloodyelbow.com. November 24, 2010.
  16. ↑ "Gerald Harris Sounds Off on Being Released from the UFC". bleacherreport.com. December 10, 2010.
  17. ↑ "Sherdog.com MMA Blog: Monday, February 28, 2011". Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2011-02-28.
  18. ↑ "Gerald Harris vs. James Head". 20 January 2011.
  19. ↑ "Gerald Harris vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura targeted for DREAM.17 | MMAjunkie.com". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2011-09-13.
  20. ↑ "Legacy Fighting Championship 10 - Events | MMAjunkie.com". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2012-01-08.
  21. ↑ "Veteran Gerald Harris Announces His Retirement From MMA". fightline.com.
  22. ↑ Henderson, Jason (23 April 2014). "UFC And WSOF Veteran Gerald Harris Announces His Retirement". Fight of the Night. Retrieved 24 April 2014.
  23. ↑ "Legacy FC 63 results: Brutal Gerald Harris slam lays out Aaron Cobb in first round". MMAjunkie. 2016-12-03. Retrieved 2017-10-25.
  24. ↑ "( octopus ) art + science + technology". ajunkie.com. 12 December 2015. Retrieved 2017-10-25.
  25. ↑ Steve Juon (April 25, 2018). "Bellator 198 fight card shakeup: Gerald Harris vs Rafael Lovato Jr. booked with John Salter scratched". mmamania.com.
  26. ↑ "Bellator 198 results: Rafael Lovato Jr. makes easy work of Gerald Harris". MMAjunkie. 2018-04-29. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  27. ↑ Steven Marrocco (April 30, 2018). "Bellator signs Gerald Harris to multi-fight contract despite quick submission loss". mmajunkie.com.
  28. ↑ "After Bellator 218 loss, Gerald Harris says he's fought his last fight". mmajunkie.com. March 23, 2019.
  29. 1 2 Damon Martin (December 1, 2019). "Gerald Harris reveals how a punch in the third round of his most recent fight led to his retirement". mmafighting.com.
  30. 1 2 John Morgan. ""TUF" vet Gerald Harris' latest victory earned along with his biggest loss". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2009-04-15.
  31. ↑ "Cleveland State University".
  32. ↑ "USA TODAY 2010 MMA Awards: New faces appear". USAToday.com. December 23, 2010.
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