Alabama Football News

Former Tide LB Eryk Anders dominates first UFC fight; won in first round via knockout

by
Stephen M. Smith
July 22, 2017

Former Alabama LB and current MMA fighter Eryk Anders wins fight prior to signing with LFA: Photo via Anders' Facebook

Rafael Natal knew what Eryk Anders was made of after one round.

Fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and natives of Long Island, N.Y., watched a new comer in Anders dominate his debut via knockout in the first round. After landing three punches to Natal’s head, a fierce left-hand jab from Anders ended the contest with 2:10 remaining on the clock.

In case you missed it… that left hand tho @ErykAnders | #UFCLongIsland pic.twitter.com/l85ov4LpeL

— UFC (@ufc) July 22, 2017

Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, the former Alabama linebacker was undefeated (8-0) as a mixed martial arts fighter in the Legacy Fighting Alliance.

All it took was one hit on Texas’ quarterback Garrett Gilbert to secure a national championship for the Crimson Tide in 2009, and as he continues to get better as a professional fighter, more titles will come for the LFA middleweight champion.

An electrifying debut! Former Alabama linebacker @ErykAnders gets his first win in the UFC! #UFCLongIsland pic.twitter.com/FuOC9agdqk

— UFC (@ufc) July 22, 2017

Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.

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Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.