RJ Harris

When and why did you start training MMA? I didn't grow up planning to be a fighter. In 2022, my cousin convinced me to enter a West Virginia Toughman boxing tournament. I won it and figured that would be the end of it. The following year, 2023, another Toughman tournament came much closer to home, and my wife talked me into giving it another shot. I won that one too. I also competed in Rough N' Rowdy and made my amateur MMA debut in 2023. At the time, Toughman competitors could only win three Toughman tournaments before they were no longer eligible to compete, so I made it a goal to earn that third title in 2024. I signed up for 3 Toughmans and won all 3. Along the way, I fell in love with the sport. I committed myself fully, transformed my lifestyle, and cut from 315 pounds down to 258 for my first heavyweight MMA fight in March of 2024. From that point on, I knew this was what I wanted to do.

What does it mean for you to fight for the UFC? It's a great accomplishment to test myself in the best promotion against the best caliber of fighters. 

Who is your favorite fighter and why? I've always been a big fan of Georges St-Pierre because he seems like a humble guy and always strives to be the best he can be.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? My dad.

What ranks do you hold in martial arts? No official martial arts ranks. My athletic background is in wrestling and football, both of which I competed in throughout middle school and high school.

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career and why? My second amateur fight, that's when I really fell in love with the sport.

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? I'd like to use my platform to show people that where you come from doesn't have to define where you end up. I didn't have an easy path, and everything I've earned has come from hard work, discipline, and refusing to give up. If my journey can inspire even one person to keep pushing through tough times and believe in themselves, then using my platform for that would mean a lot.

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? The love for competition.

Did you attend college, if so what degree did you earn? I attended Ohio Dominican University on a full football scholarship. After a short time, I decided college wasn't the right path for me. While I was grateful for the opportunity to play football, I couldn't afford the additional costs of books and living expenses, and I ultimately chose to leave school and begin working full-time.

Favorite Grappling Technique: Blast Double Leg

Favorite Striking Technique: Jab, Cross

Do you have a current job that pays the bills? I'm currently a full-time lineman for Thayer Power & Communications. I've worked throughout my fighting career, balancing a full-time job with training and competing.

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: Outside of fighting, I'm a full-time lineman for Thayer Power & Communications. I've been with my wife (Jocelyn) since we were in middle school, and this October we'll celebrate 14 years together and our first wedding anniversary. We're also getting ready to welcome our first child, a baby girl, in August, which has been one of the most exciting chapters of our lives. My family is my biggest motivation, and when I'm not working or training, I enjoy spending time with them and staying busy.