R.I.P: Aniah Blanchard 2000-2019

Walt Harris Instagram

The remains found in a wooded area in Macon County, Alabama on Mon. Nov. 25 are those of Aniah Blanchard — stepdaughter of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight, Walt Harris — who was reported missing on October 23.

“It is with heavy hearts that we so confirm today that the remains are in fact of Aniah Blanchard,” Auburn (Ala.) Police Chief Paul Register said in a news conference streamed by WBRC, courtesy of MMA Junkie. “This case will move forward as a homicide investigation.”

UFC president, Dana White, took to social media to spread the news.

“Law Enforcement has confirmed to us that it is Aniah that they found. I’m devastated to hear this news. I’m heartbroken for Walt and his family,” White wrote on Twitter.

“Thank you everyone for the support including the local and state Alabama law enforcement, media, athletes, managers and fans. My condolences go out to everyone that was touched by Aniah’s story and tried to help bring her home.”

Three men, Antwon Fisher (35), Ibraheem Yazeed (30) and David Johnson Jr, have all been arrested in connection with the case.

After her disappearance on October 23, Blanchard’s damaged car was found in an apartment complex in Montgomery, Alabama. Upon inspection, blood was found in the drivers side of the vehicle which indicated foul play.

A report later revealed that two eye-witnesses saw a man force Aniah into a vehicle, but for some unknown reason, failed to alert anyone of what they saw. One of the men arrested, Ibraheem Yazeed, was currently out on bail on charges of kidnapping and attempted murder fro ma separate incident earlier this year.

The mixed martial arts (MMA) community came out and added to an existing financial reward for any tips leading to her whereabouts. Aniah — who was attending Lee County Community College, was just 19 years old.

We here at MMAmania would like to offer our most heartfelt condolences to Anaiah’s entire family during this difficult time.