Cage Warriors will make an exhilarating return to California with an electric card featuring MMA veteran Elijah Harris.
Elijah Harris, 41, is a skilled fighter with a 4-1 record. He is also the Planet San Diego Men’s MMA Team captain. Harris started his amateur career in 2013 and had a record of 5-5 in 3 and a half years. After taking a 4-year break, “Mr Samoa” started his professional journey with a first-round finish in July 2021. After two more wins later that year, Harris was given the opportunity to fight for Cage Warriors. However, he would lose by decision at CW 133. In his most recent bout, Harris gained a first-round submission victory to take his record to 4-1. He will be looking for a win at Cage Warriors 143.
I had the opportunity to speak to Elijah ahead of his Cage Warriors 143 bout:
Elijah Harris Interview
You are fighting for Cage Warriors, and will be seen on a global stage, what does that mean to you?
“It makes me feel lucky! It is a privilege that I get to do this! I started out 0-2 as an amateur, I got discouraged but I had a burning desire to prove to myself that I didn’t have to accept losing. And I got tired of people telling me that I was too old for MMA. I worked hard and that is what got me to where I am today. Unlike before, today I have all my shit together, I really feel like the stars have aligned and this is my destiny to compete at Cage Warriors 143 in front of my home crowd. I was starting to think that I needed anger to be successful, but I learned that heart is the most important quality in a fighter. Heart is why I am where I am. 41 year old 10th Planet San Diego Men’s MMA Team Captain, it has been a hell of a ride!”
What qualities do you possess that you believe will give you the edge over your opponent?
“Fighting at home! In front of my loved ones, whether they be at the show or watching on UFC Fight Pass. Everyone that cares about me has put their trust in me to give my all, to compete with my heart until the very end and display my skill set. And to honor my Coaches and mentors that invested their valuable time into me.”
Fight Style and Goals
What are your short-term and long-term goals within the sport? How many years are you looking to continue fighting professionally?
“I don’t have long-term goals at this point lol, every fight is my last fight… My goal is to be an honorable man and help others”
How would you describe your fight style to those who don’t know and have never watched you fight before? Is there anybody at the top of the sport you would compare your fight style to?
“Glover Teixeira! I am ruthless and well rounded, I look forward to showing this at CW 143!”
Get to Know Elijah Harris
When and how did you get into the sport?
“The first class I attended was in 2007, but I didn’t start training regularly until 2012. My friend was supposed to give me a ride to a party one Friday evening, and he said yes, after my jiu-jitsu class. So I went with him, I sat and watched his class lol. There was a small guy who didn’t have a partner, so my friend Eric said, “ hey be this guy’s partner, I mean I am giving u a ride!” Lmao, we were the same size and he had extra shorts and a shirt. So I took the class partnered with a guy who I easily outweighed by 80lbs, drilled with him, and thought, “this kid ain’t shit I’ll squash him”. He then whooped my ass easily and humbled me, I had to know how he did me like that lol, so I started learning more and more. I didn’t even end up going to the party that night! My friend quit training a few years later, and I’m still here in 2022 fighting for Cage Warriors! He gives himself big credit for my success.”
Awesome story. Who are some of your favorite fighters to watch in the sport, and why?
“All the older guys. Old Guys rule! Gentlemen’s club is for the elite only”
Outside of fighting, what do you like to do? Do you have any interesting hobbies you do when not training?
“I just enjoy being with my loved ones including my dog and two cats! I also love food and playing Pokémon Go! One of my goals in life is figuring out a way to get every animal out of the shelters and find them homes!”
Fight Prediction
That would be awesome! And finally, how do you predict the fight going down?
“I’m gonna put him down in the 1st.”
Thank you for taking the time to talk to me I really appreciate it. Is there anybody you would like to shout out?
“I would like to give a shoutout to my wife, children, family, friends, all my team mates at 10th Planet San Diego, and all my Coaches! And good luck to all our guys competing at ADCC this weekend! And thank you to my sponsors GYG Dental Lab, KREMER Insurance, Clinch Gear, Rafas Meal Prep, Artisty by Ava, and The Heights Market in San Diego.”
Featured image credits to Tapology
