Harris vs. Overeem expected to headline UFC Washington

Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the battle of two fighters who’ve knocked out Alexey Oleinik this year.

The UFC’s first event in the United States’ capital since 2011 is slated to have heavyweights serve as the headliners.

ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported on Tuesday that verbal agreements are in place for Walt Harris and Alistair Overeem to face off in the main event of UFC on ESPN 7 on December 7th. It’ll be Harris’ first ever UFC main event, whereas Overeem is no stranger to the spotlight whether in the UFC, Strikeforce, DREAM, or other promotions.

Harris (13-7, 1 NC) is coming off a lightning quick KO of Alexey Oleinik at UFC San Antonio, winning in just 12 seconds. He also demolished Sergey Spivak in 50 seconds at UFC Ottawa in May. The former basketball player would be on a four-fight winning streak had his victory over Andrei Arlovski at UFC 232 not been overturned to a no-contest, when he tested positive for LGD-4033. Harris served a reduced suspension after he was able to prove he took a contaminated supplement.

Overeem (45-17, 1 NC) also has a knockout win over Oleinik, which occurred at UFC St. Petersburg in April. Prior to that, the 39-year-old defeated Sergey Pavlovich with brutal ground-and-pound. Overeem has bounced back well given the gruesome KO losses he suffered against Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes, and now he’ll look to turn back a rising contender in Harris.

Other fights scheduled for this card include Stefan Struve vs. Ben Rothwell and Aspen Ladd vs. Yana Kunitskaya.