Former Tide Linebacker, UFC Middleweight Eryk Anders Reflects On Career, Future

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former University of Alabama standout linebacker and UFC middleweight Eryk "Ya Boi" Anders is stepping away from professional fighting, bringing to a close an athletic career that started in Bryant-Denny Stadium and ended in the Octagon.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Anders, 38, told Patch the decision to retire from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) came with a sense of peace rather than finality, even after ending his career with a convincing victory by decision Saturday against Brad Tavares in Las Vegas.

“You know, I really don’t have any feelings towards it," he said in an interview. "I’m at peace. I’ve kind of known that this was going to be my last fight when I signed my last contract for this fight.”

While Anders exits the Octagon on his own terms, the lead-up to his final bout proved to be one of the most challenging of his career — not because of his opponent, but the demands of life outside the cage.

In September 2025, Anders opened Ya Boi Fitness Academy in Vestavia Hills. The gym offers kickboxing and jiu-jitsu training designed to appeal to all levels of proficiency.

Anders said balancing the responsibilities of running a growing business while preparing for his last professional fight pushed him in ways he'd never expected.

“To be honest, this is the hardest fight I ever had to prepare for,” he said. “Before I had the gym, I would train, go home, take a nap, eat, then train again three or four times a day. But that’s really difficult now.”

Despite the never-ending grind, Anders said the dual roles allowed him to pursue his love of both fighting and teaching.

“Teaching is a passion of mine, and so is fighting, so I was doing my two favorite things,” he said. “But it’s hard when you’re not getting adequate rest and still trying to train with the intensity you need, especially knowing it’s your last fight.”

That passion for teaching is now at the forefront of Anders’ mind as he steps out of the Octagon for good.

Rather than focusing solely on developing professional fighters, Anders said he wants to invest in his community by using martial arts as a tool to build confidence and discipline.

“I’m not really looking to train fighters,” he said. “I want to pour into the community — kids, working people, everybody in between.”

Anders credits much of his teaching philosophy to the mentors who shaped his career, from youth football to college and into mixed martial arts.

Playing for legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban, he was credited with leading the Crimson Tide defense with seven tackles and a forced fumble during the 2009 national championship game against Texas.

After his time in Tuscaloosa came to an end, he signed a brief contract with Cleveland Browns before playing stints in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League.

He later trained under respected Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) coach Chris Connelly, who owns Spartan Fitness in Homewood, and cited him as one of his most influential mentors.

“They all have things in common — work ethic, discipline, and tailoring how they coach to the individual,” Anders said. “Coaching isn’t cookie-cutter. You have to adapt to each person to maximize their potential.”

Anders’ path to MMA was anything but traditional. After his football career ended, he transitioned into fighting despite limited experience in combat sports.

“I had JV-level wrestling experience, but I had never really done MMA, boxing or jiu-jitsu before,” he said. “But once I got my first taste, I was hooked.”

Anders' amateur MMA career kicked off in 2012 and he went on to fight in 22 amateur bouts before making his professional debut — a 2015, 40-second knockout of Josh Rasberry for Strike Hard Productions.

He then made his UFC debut with a first-round knockout win against Rafael Natal.

Anders' immediate success resulted in a rapid ascent within the UFC, including a main event appearance in just his third fight.

"That doesn’t usually happen," he said.

The high-profile bout was against former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, which ended in a questionable split-decision loss for Anders that is still speculated on today.

In one of his last notable fights, he also secured a TKO win over former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman in 2024.

Anders ended his UFC career with a record of 18-9-0

Even with his body still capable of competing, though, Anders said the decision to retire ultimately came down to perspective.

“I can still fight," he said "I feel good. My body’s not too beat up. But I’m 38 — what am I really fighting for? Money? There are plenty of ways to make money. I don’t care about fame. I just love fighting.

“Father Time is undefeated,” he added. “I’ve got my gym now, and it’s time to put my heart into that and help develop the next generation.”

For Anders, the reward now comes not from the thrill of the Octagon but from the growth he sees in others.

“I get a lot of satisfaction seeing kids grow in confidence,” he said. “You see their posture change, their confidence build. It’s a great feeling.”

Throughout his MMA career, Anders has carried his Alabama roots with pride, representing a state he believes is often overlooked, despite producing combat sports talent like Anders and former boxing heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

“Alabama is slept on," he said. "There are a lot of fighters here who just haven’t gotten their opportunity yet.To be one of the few from here to make it to that level, I wear that as a badge of honor."

As for what comes next, Anders said he’s embracing the uncertainty and the opportunity for continued growth.

“I went from football to fighting, now running a gym,” he said. “I’m always going to keep moving and evolving. I’m excited to see what’s next myself.”

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.