Eryk Anders: "People can expect me to fight 4-5 times this year."

A huge opportunity for the rising contender.
Recently, I got the opportunity to sit down with up and coming UFC Fight Night Belem headliner Eryk Anders ahead of his meeting with current Middleweight contender and former Light Heavyweight king pin Lyoto 'The Dragon' Machida. The undefeated Alabama knockout artist Anders burst into ranked contention back in the summer of 2017, scoring an eye attracting knockout win over Rafael Natal, and then picked up a decision victory over Markus Perez at the tail end of the year. The former NFL Cleveland Browns star managed to earn a five round headliner with Brazil's Machida in 'The Dragon{s}' back yard, and is feeling quite confident of success in the pair's meeting. "I think Lyoto's been there and done that, he's fought the who's who in mixed-martial arts. He's very savvy, however I think he's out of his prime and he has a suspect chin. You can expect relentless pressure and for me to look for the finish."


Machida recently returned from a USADA suspension in a shocking first round knockout loss to Derek Brunson, his third loss in a row, with Yoel Romero smashing the karate expert after a submission loss to former Middleweight world champion Luke Rockhold, and certainly faces a stern test against Anders, who's picked up 6 knockout wins from his 10 professional bouts. 

With a professional career spanning back to summer 2015, Anders is a hugely talented and technical athlete, with collegiate football and a brief spell with the Cleveland Browns in his locker. Experience arguably wouldn't be on the side of 'Ya Boi', who admitted his lack of MMA experience in his early life. "I have zero background in striking, only since I started training in MMA I've been striking. Just like in football, success is due to trusting the process forged by hard work and the sweat of my brow."


The Birmingham native is planning for an incredibly active 2018, almost reminiscing of a Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone schedule, and a victory over the 39 year-old Machida would certainly only benefit his meteoric rise up the 185lbs division. "I'm taking things one fight at a time, but David Branch doesn't have an opponent for his fight in Orlando, I would gladly fight him. People can expect me to fight 4-5 times this year and to hunt for the finish each time.

Please like, comment and follow for daily MMA news and opinions.

Requests:markeyross198.RM@gmail.com




Comments

Post a Comment