UFC

Eryk “Ya Boi”Anders

UFC18-9-0

Division
Middleweight
Stance
Southpaw
Height
6' 1"
Weight
185 lbs.
Reach
75"
Nationality
San Antonio, United States
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Fighter metrics

Significant strikes / fight
55.5

Striking accuracy

47%

715 landed · 1,513 attempted

Takedown accuracy

26%

Recent fight form

Latest 5 verified results in our archive · 2023-06-10 to 2026-03-14

Wins

3 / 5

Losses

2 / 5

Historical results, not a prediction. See opponents and methods in fight history below.

Fight history

  • Brad Tavares

    Mar 14, 2026

    Win

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Loss

    KO/TKO · Round 1 · 3:53

  • Chris Weidman

    Dec 7, 2024

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 2 · 4:51

  • Jamie Pickett

    Mar 2, 2024

    Win

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Loss

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Kyle Daukaus

    Dec 3, 2022

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 2 · 2:45

  • Jun Yong Park

    May 21, 2022

    Loss

    Decision - Split · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Andre Muniz

    Dec 11, 2021

    Loss

    Submission · Round 1 · 3:13

  • Darren Stewart

    Jun 12, 2021

    Win

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Krzysztof Jotko

    May 16, 2020

    Loss

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Gerald Meerschaert

    Oct 12, 2019

    Win

    Decision - Split · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Loss

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Elias Theodorou

    Dec 8, 2018

    Loss

    DEC · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Thiago Santos

    Sep 22, 2018

    Loss

    KO/TKO · Round 3 · 0:02

  • Tim Williams

    Aug 25, 2018

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 3 · 4:42

  • Lyoto Machida

    Feb 3, 2018

    Loss

    DEC · Round 5 · 5:00

  • Markus Perez

    Dec 9, 2017

    Win

    DEC · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Rafael Natal

    Jul 22, 2017

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 1 · 2:40

Eryk Anders Bio

Eryk Anders is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC’s middleweight division under the nickname “Ya Boi.” Born April 21, 1987, in San Antonio, Texas, he stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and trained with Spartan Fitness MMA. The UFC lists his professional debut as taking place in 2015 and his Octagon debut as July 23, 2017. His documented UFC style is MMA, with a career built around striking and physical pressure.

Before entering MMA, Anders played linebacker for the University of Alabama. Alabama’s athletic records identify him as a Crimson Tide football player and list his birth date; the school’s historical materials also document his role as a linebacker during the program’s 2009 championship season. His football background helped shape the strength, durability and aggressive forward movement that became recognizable elements of his fighting style.

Anders ended his UFC career after defeating Brad Tavares by unanimous decision on March 14, 2026, then announced his retirement inside the Octagon. The UFC currently lists him as “Not Fighting.” Following retirement, he shifted his attention toward coaching and operating Ya Boi Fitness Academy in Alabama, focusing on fitness and confidence-building rather than competing professionally.

Record
18-9-0
Division
Middleweight
Fighting style
MMA
Stance
Southpaw
Height
6' 1"
Weight
185 lbs.
Reach
75"
Leg reach
43.50
Gym / team
Spartan Fitness
Nationality
San Antonio, United States
Fighting out of
Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Birth date
Apr 21, 1987 (age 39)
Age
39

Eryk Anders Questions & Answers

Who is Eryk Anders?

Eryk Anders is a former UFC mixed martial artist and former University of Alabama linebacker who competed in the middleweight division under the nickname “Ya Boi.”

What division did Eryk Anders compete in?

Eryk Anders competed in the UFC middleweight division.

When did Eryk Anders make his UFC debut?

Eryk Anders made his UFC debut on July 23, 2017.

Did Eryk Anders play college football?

Yes. Eryk Anders played linebacker for the University of Alabama before beginning his professional MMA career.

What are Eryk Anders’ height and birth date?

Eryk Anders is listed at 6 feet 1 inch tall, and his birth date is April 21, 1987.

When did Eryk Anders retire from professional MMA?

Eryk Anders announced his retirement after defeating Brad Tavares on March 14, 2026.

What was Eryk Anders’ fighting style?

Eryk Anders used an MMA style centered on striking, physical pressure and the athleticism developed during his football career.