Eryk Anders is a veteran of the fight game. Starting his pro career back in 2015, it took just two years to reach the UFC with an 8-0 record. A headliner against Lyota Machida in just his third UFC fight showed just how valuable the former football player was to the promotion.
That value stands to this day, as Anders has been featured on the main card of his last three UFC fights. Despite a tough 1-3 stretch over his last four fights, Anders is ready to get back in the cage and show his value once more.
Eryk Anders Anxious to Return to Competition
‘Ya Boi’ has been anxiously awaiting his return to the cage following an injury last year that’s kept him out of competition.
“We get to knock the rust off and get in there. Hopefully, we can get out of there injury-free and onto the next”. He also followed up on that later on wishing to“get in, get out, and make my money. Hopefully, I turn around quickly and fight again soon.”
The 36-year-old was referring to his past fight against Marc-Andre Barriault, where an early injury to his foot heavily hindered his performance throughout the fight.
The loss of the opportunity to fight in Saudi Arabia isn’t a worry on the mind of Anders. He feels that a shorter flight and less time away from home will help. However, finding a Princess to “live happily ever after” with is a dream that will not come true this time around.
Jamie Pickett Matchup on March 2nd
When asked if he expected this fight to be on the feet
“That’s how all my fights are so I don’t see why this one would be any different. It just depends on how much he can take.”
Anders doesn’t feel that his striking is his only path to victory however,
“I’m not married to the striking, I’ll go in there and get it done however it needs to get done…I’m just assuming that I face the best Jamie Pickett that Jamie Pickett has available.”
UFC 301 would be the ideal follow-up for Anders if he can walk away from this fight injury-free. He brought up Dusko Todorovic as a potential future opponent that interests him but understands he’ll likely face a Brazilian.
What the Future Holds for ‘Ya Boi’
Anders believes that he’ll be coaching the new generation following his retirement. Eryk Anders’ last win comes outside of the UFC Octagon, with a win over Kyle Daukaus at CFFC Grappling in December. When asked if that was an avenue he could pursue, Anders said he believes he could do BJJ and grappling forever.
“How many hits to the head can you possibly take…it’s gotta come to an end at some point.”
Anders also alluded to receiving a new 4 fight deal, where he envisions retirement following the finish of the contract.
“I’d like to win these last four fights and ride into the sunset off a win.”
A ride off into the sunset following a win would be an amazing end to Anders’ career, and we hope he gets that when the time comes. Eryk Anders squares off against Jamie Pickett at UFC Vegas 87 on March 2nd.
Full Exclusive Interview with Eryk Anders
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