If you don’t know ANYTHING about Mixed Martial Arts in Alabama then at least know this one fact and you will be well on your way to increasing your knowledge about the sport and what’s hot in Alabama and MMA right now. Eryk Anders is rapidly rising to the top in amateur MMA.
Eryk is from Texas but has lived in Alabama the last few years. He played a little football as a linebacker with the Alabama Crimson Tide National Championship Team in 2009 and is now an amateur mixed martial arts fighter. Eryk currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama and trains between Maverick Training Center in Huntsville and Champions Freestyle in Birmingham, Alabama. His amateur mma record stands at 10:2 . Eryk competed in the octagon for the 1st time at AXC Cullman in January 2012. He competed on a continuing basis in 2012 and his only 2 losses came from March 2012– Justin Patterson by unanimous decision and August 2012– against Childersburg MMA stand out Chase Horton.
Since the loss at Strikehard in August; Eryk has had nothing but wins with a 3 fight winning streak in progress. His accomplishments include being the owner of 3 title belts from 3 different promotions in 2 differing states. Eryk holds the Light Heavyweight Belt (205) from 3FC Chattanooga, TN with a win against Taylor Yeager in May 2012. Tim Loy, 3FC matchmaker hopes to get a title defense of that belt on a fight card this year and is working diligently to make that happen. Anders also holds the 185 Title Belt from Strikehard Productions where he secured the win February 2013 against Justin Sumpter in round 1 at 2:30 with a submission by rear naked choke. His final belt also from February came from V3 Fights in Nashville, Tennessee. Eryk took home the win by tko against Paul Rainey who didn’t come back out to fight after the bell. That secured his place as the NEW V3FIGHTS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION.
Last but certainly not least – Eryk competed in Lutador this past weekend in Marietta, Georgia. Lutador is billed as “the greateast grappling event in the southeast” and Eryk – brought back to Alabama –2 gold medals. He is a white belt and won gold in the absolute division (all weights) and in his weight class also. His BJJ coach, Suzanne Ramsden with Maverick Training Center Huntsville said ”Eryk beat people with a lot more experience and he is a very focused, and technical BJJ guy.”.
What’s next for Eryk? The sky is the limit; perhaps he will be turning Pro soon? It would be extra special nice if he made his Pro debut in Alabama. Who knows right?
PS. Did I mention that Eryk recently was named #1 in the Pound for Pound rankings at http://www.ultmma.com/news/index.php?itemid=2382. The South’s top 25 rankings in the 205 weight class for amateurs. You might want to take a look.
Photos by Curtis B Photos