What the National Football League did not take advantage of, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is enjoying.
Former University of Alabama linebacker Eryk Anders remains unbeaten as a mixed martial arts fighter, after picking up his 10th win on a unanimous decision versus Markus Perez on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 123 in Fresno, Calif.
Despite seeing the matchup go the distance, Anders landed quality punches on Perez and even pinned him against the cage to deliver some shots to his head.
After starting his career as an amateur, the San Antonio, Texas native is becoming a marquee star on the rise in UFC.
Eryk Anders remains undefeated with the unanimous decision over Markus Perez in an absolute slugfest! #UFCFresno https://t.co/XSir2gAuw5
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) December 10, 2017
Per Anders, he was able to get going in the second round after a slow start.
“I didn’t quite feel like myself in the first round,” he said in an interview.
“Caught myself headhunting a little bit. But in the second round, I was able to slow it down and he was moving his head. The guy (Perez) has got a lot of rhythm. He’s Brazilian. He’s a dancer and what not so, I tried to touch that body and wear him down. When I got on top, I just wanted to be heavy and keep him off my legs so he could not finish me with a leg lock and laying strikes when I could.”
During his time at Alabama, Anders took pride in knowing strength coach Scott Cochran was going to condition him the right way. Now an MMA fighter, he has surrounded himself with a staff that does the same thing. Anders told media personnel that he is prepared for anything.
While his next fight is to be determined, he will celebrate his perfect record for now.
Listed below is Anders’ full interview via YouTube, following the fight.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
