For this segment of In Perspective, BrawlTalk’s Daniel Locke got to chat with UFC middleweight and member of the 2009 National Championship winning Alabama Crimson Tide, Eryk Anders. The two had a great conversation about Eryk’s time at Alabama and how it prepared him for the UFC, what motivated him to step into the octagon, and what is next for him as a fighter. This guy is one to look out for and is capable of making some news in the middleweight division.
Q: When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in mixed martial arts?
A: The first time I walked into a gym.
Q: Which was more nerve-racking: your UFC debut, or your first game at Alabama?
A: My first game starting at Alabama was the most nervous I’ve ever been.
Q: What is your favorite Coach Saban memory?
A: He cussed a guy out for putting on 10 lbs overnight. It was hilarious.
Q: Was Coach Cochran’s strength and conditioning program good preparation for the UFC?
A: No. Football and mma strength and conditioning programs are very different.
Q: Which is more intense: training sessions for your fights, or practice at Alabama?
A: Definitely my fights. I’m doing work 100% of the time.
Q: What has your relationship with Dana White been like?
A: He is super cool and supportive to me. I haven’t done anything to piss him off.
Q: What was your reaction to Conor McGregor’s leg injury at UFC 264?
A: Nobody wants to see a fight end like that. I hate it.
Q: What are some of your other hobbies outside of the octagon?
A: I don’t really do anything else, when I am home I want to be home. I do enjoy traveling though.
Q: Where is your favorite place to travel?
A: Rome, Italy.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration as a fighter?
A: Myself. I truly enjoy fighting. I do this because I love it
Q: Who is your all-time favorite athlete?
A: Barry Sanders
Q: Do you wish Fight Night events would start touring again, or do you like them being at the Apex?
A: I’m glad that there is a place where we can keep fights going no matter what. But for me, I love traveling and fighting in front of different crowds.
Q: Do you have any plans on who you want to take on next?
A: I was supposed to fight Antonio Arroyoy last year, but I got sick and it did not happen.
Q: Which has the more rowdy fans: college football or mma?
A: Probably mma fans. College football fans will talk shit to you, but that is the extent of it in most cases. MMA fans, especially in Europe, are known to be violent at times.
The BrawlTalk staff looks forward to seeing Eryk return to the octagon soon. Thanks again for your time Eryk!
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