TAMPA, Fla. – Eryk Anders beat Gerald Meerschaert with a split decision Saturday to open up the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 19 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
Take a look inside the fight with Anders, who has back-to-back wins to rebound from a three-fight skid.
Result: Eryk Anders def. Gerald Meerschaert via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Anders (13-4 MMA, 5-4 UFC), Meerschaert (30-12 MMA, 5-4 UFC)
Key stat: Meerschaert outstruck Anders 72-64, but came up short with the judges.
Anders on the fight’s key moment
“That first round, I dropped him once or twice. I think I could have gotten on top and got the finish. I train for 15 minutes, but it’s not what I like doing. I like finishes, and that’s what the fans like, too. That’s probably one of my more boring fights. It is what it is. I got in there and got the job done. (I’m) happy to cash at least two checks.”
Anders on getting past his recent skid
“(I’m) on another win streak, which feels good. (The) next fight for me is just wherever I fit in. They offer me fights, I sign the contract, show up, and try to get the job done.”
Anders on what he wants next
“I like to stay active. I took a little damage to my face, so going to get that checked out – should be fine. My training partner Walt Harris is the main event in (Washington), D.C. I used to live up around that way, so it would feel good to get back to my old stomping grounds and put on a performance there before the end of the year.”
To hear more from Anders, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
