Walt Harris targeting April return to the UFC following tragic death of stepdaughter

Walt Harris is ready to get back to work.

The UFC heavyweight, who has gone undefeated in his past four fights in a row, is currently targeting an April return to action according to his manager, Jason House of Iridium Sports Agency after the news was first reported by MMAJunkie.

“Walt’s back in the gym. He’s training very hard at his gym, SBG Alabama. We’re looking at an April return right now,” House told MMA Fighting. “He’s excited to get back into the Octagon.”

Harris has been out of action since last July when he knocked out submission specialist Aleksei Oleinik in just 12 seconds. Following that win, Harris was booked for a main event showdown against Alistair Overeem, but he ultimately dropped out of the fight after his stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard went missing in late October.

Tragically, Blanchard was found dead a month later after Alabama police discovered her remains following an extensive investigation into her disappearance.

Ibraheem Yazeed was later arrested and charged with Blanchard’s murder with prosecutors stating they will seek the death penalty in the case.

Harris has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent months while focusing on his family, but now it looks like he’s ready to resume his fighting career.

There is no word yet on when exactly Harris will return or the opponent he will face but he’s training again with the intention of competing in April.