Eryk Anders
Introduction
Eryk Anders (born April 21, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the middleweight division, and a former college football player for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Background
Anders was born on an American Air Force base in the Philippines, where his mother was stationed at the time. When Anders was a sophomore in high school he moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he played football for Smithson Valley High School.
After graduating from Smithson Valley High School Anders started at the University of Alabama in 2006. From 2006 to 2009 Anders played for the Crimson Tide as a linebacker, starting 14 games in his senior season. His career at Alabama culminated with a victory in the 2009 BCS National Championship against the University of Texas, a game in which he led the Crimson Tide with seven tackles and a forced fumble.
After college he signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns of the NFL. He also had stints in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League before beginning a career in mixed martial arts.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Anders began his mixed martial arts career in 2012 as an amateur, participating in 22 amateur bouts before his professional debut against Josh Rasberry on August 22, 2015 for Strike Hard Productions. He defeated Rasberry in just 40 seconds via TKO.
In his second professional fight he defeated Demarcus Sharpe by unanimous decision.
In his third professional fight he defeated Garrick James by TKO.
In his fourth professional fight he defeated Dekaire Sanders by submission via rear naked choke.
In his fifth professional fight he defeated Jesse Grun by TKO due to punches.
Bellator MMA
Anders made his Bellator debut on October 21, 2016, defeating Brian White by TKO in 23 seconds.
Legacy Fighting Alliance
In his seventh professional fight, Anders joined Legacy Fighting Alliance. He defeated Jon Kirk by TKO at LFA 6: Junior vs. Rodriguez on March 10, 2017.
On June 23, 2017, Anders fought for the Legacy Fighting Alliance middleweight championship. He defeated Brendan Allen via a 49-46 unanimous decision to gain the championship.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Anders made his UFC debut against Rafael Natal at UFC on FOX 25, as a late replacement for Alessio di Chirico who was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
Championships and accomplishments
- Legacy Fighting Alliance
- LFA Middleweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 9 matches | 9 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 6 | 0 |
| By submission | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 2 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 9–0 | Rafael Natal | KO (punches) | UFC on Fox: Weidman vs. Gastelum | 000000002017-07-22-0000July 22, 2017 | 1 | 2:54 | Uniondale, New York, United States | |
| Win | 8–0 | Brendan Allen | Decision (unanimous) | LFA 14: Rivera vs. Franchise | 000000002017-06-23-0000June 23, 2017 | 5 | 5:00 | Houston, Texas, United States | Won the inaugural LFA Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 7–0 | Jon Kirk | TKO (punches) | LFA 6: Junior vs. Rodriguez | 000000002017-03-10-0000March 10, 2017 | 1 | 1:35 | San Antonio, Texas, United States | Catchweight (190 lbs) bout. |
| Win | 6–0 | Brian White | TKO (punches) | Bellator 162 | 000000002016-10-21-0000October 21, 2016 | 1 | 0:23 | Memphis, Tennessee, United States | |
| Win | 5–0 | Jesse Grun | TKO (punches) | Valor Fights 37 - Grun vs. Anders | 000000002016-08-27-0000August 27, 2016 | 1 | 3:18 | Cleveland, Tennessee, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Dekaire Sanders | Submission (rear-naked choke) | V3 Fights: Sanders vs. Anders | 000000002016-06-18-0000June 18, 2016 | 1 | 0:33 | Memphis, Tennessee, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Garrick James | TKO (punches) | Strike Hard Productions 42 | 000000002016-05-14-0000May 14, 2016 | 3 | 4:07 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Demarcus Sharpe | Decision (unanimous) | SFC - Southern Explosion 1 | 000000002015-10-20-0000October 20, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Montgomery, Alabama, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Josh Rasberry | TKO (punches) | Strike Hard Productions 40 | 000000002015-08-22-0000August 22, 2015 | 1 | 0:40 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States |