(That’s what we call ‘marketable skills’.)
It’s been a strange, at-times painful trip for our good buddy Gerald Harris. After being released by the UFC after his first loss in four appearances, Harris dropped a decision in a rebound fight against James Head at an Xtreme Fight Night event in February. Head earned a ticket to the UFC while Harris secured his place on the outside looking in. ‘Hurricane’ finally got back to the win-column with a decision over former Strikeforce contender Anthony Ruiz at Tachi Palace Fights 9 in May, but broke his hand in the process.
Luckily, things are about to get a lot better (we hope). Harris announced on his Twitter page today that he’s signed a multi-fight deal with DREAM:
I’m all healed up and ready to roll. I just signed a multi-fight deal with Dream. It’s going to be great to be in Japan, but business 1st!…For those of you who are worried, all the wrinkles have been ironed out and I’m in good hands! Regardless of the past or what you’ve heard…Thanx for the support, & others keep your negative comments about Dream to yourself. I’ve surrounded myself with the right people so Im good…to hate on the org is kinda weak. Let me do my thing & any bad thoughts can stay a thought
Harris is most likely referring to the reports of fighter non-payment that have haunted the Japanese organization for years. (Their insane event names are cause enough for concern if you ask us.) But it sounds like Harris’s people know enough to get their cash up front. DREAM currently doesn’t have their next event scheduled; minor details. We’ll let you know when Gerald’s DREAM debut has a date and an opponent…
I’ve always likd Gerald Harris, evan back in the IFL days. I was shocked it took so long for the UFC to finally sign Harris, yet even more shocked to see the UFC cancel Harris’ ticket in the UFC. dream in Japan is a great organization, despite the financial issues. They have great fighters in their organization, so they must be doing something right. Great luck for Harris.