Clay Harvison is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division. A professional competitor since 2006, Harvison has competed for the UFC, Bellator, and was a competitor on.
Background
Harvison earned his associate degree in finance from Tallahassee Community College. He was enrolled at Kennesaw State for a year when he took a kickboxing class with a friend. Loving the adrenaline rush, Harvison took up Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu full-time in hopes of becoming a professional mixed martial artist. He started at KnuckleUp Fitness with Muay Thai coach Mateo Cutbill as his first trainer.
In 2011, Harvison had signed with the UFC to compete in. Harvison was picked fourth on Team Lesnar and seventh overall. In the fifth preliminary match-up, Harvison's first fight on the show, he fought Englishman Mick Bowman. Harvison controlled the fight using effective striking, and showing good take down defense. Harvison won the fight via unanimous decision, and was set to go into the quarterfinal round. After the fight was over it was discovered while trying to block a high kick from Bowman, it was believed that Harvison suffered a compound fracture in his pinky finger with the bone protruding from the skin. However, an X-ray later revealed the injury to only be a dislocation rather than a fracture. Harvison faced Ramsey Nijem in his quarterfinal match. Harvison lost to Nijem via submission due to a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Even though he lost to Ramsey in the quarterfinals, Harvison remained signed after the show. He made his official UFC debut June 4, 2011 on The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale card, fighting against fellow castmate Justin Edwards. He won the fight via split decision. Harvison moved from Georgia to Utah to train with his Ultimate Fighter castmate, Ramsey Nijem, at the Riven Academy. Harvison was expected to face runner-up, DaMarques Johnson, on September 17, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 25. However, Johnson was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Seth Baczynski. He was defeated by rear naked choke submission in the second round. Harvison was scheduled again to fight DaMarques Johnson. The bout took place on November 12, 2011 at UFC on Fox 1. Harvison lost the bout via first round KO. After the loss to Johnson, Harvison was released from the promotion.
Bellator MMA
Harvison made his Bellator debut on February 7, 2013, when he faced Ururahy Rodrigues at Bellator 88. He won the fight via TKO in the third round.
