We’ve got a match for the ages coming up on March 2, 2024, when Eryk Anders takes on Jamie Pickett in an edition of UFC Fight Night in Fabulous Las Vegas. The main card event bears a pair of fighters who have had a run of tough luck in recent years, and their contrasting styles make for an intriguing matchup as they each fight for redemption. Here’s a look at how the two fighters stack up, including insider tips that could help you pick a winner before they step in the ring together.
Eryk Anders, the Jack of All Trades
Anders, nicknamed “Ya Boi,” has always been one to display his athletic talent. Mixed martial arts are just his second act as an athlete, as he played for the Alabama Crimson Tide under head coach Nick Saban while in college, a talented linebacker who helped the team win the 2009 BCS National Championship.
After a professional football career didn’t pan out for him in the NFL and the Canadian Football League, Anders turned his attention to the world of mixed martial arts. The 36 year old stands 6-foot-1 and weighs around 185 pounds, a far cry from his football days when he clocked in at 235. He prioritizes kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) while in the Octagon, and has recently worked to improve his skill as a grappler, winning his match in the Fury Pro 8 Grappling promotion in late December.
Anders boasts a 75 inch reach and a 15-8 record in his professional MMA career, along with a no decision. Right now, he’s listed as the No. 48 middleweight in the world, so he’s likely to be the favorite in his match with Pickett. In UFC fights, Anders is 7-8 for his career with four knockout wins, entering the promotion after an 8-0 start in the underground leagues.
Despite Anders’ talent as a grappler, only one of his 15 wins has come via submission. With nine knockouts to his name, he’s certainly got a flair for the dramatic, although he also knows how to hang tough and win via decision. It’s been a rough few years for the former footballer, who has lost three of five matches dating back to 2021: perhaps his renewed emphasis on grappling will help him get the win over Pickett.
Jamie Pickett, North Carolina’s Favored Son
Jamie Pickett, a native of Jacksonville, North Carolina, located just outside the bustling coastal city of Wilmington, finds himself in the midst of his training grounds. With such close ties to the region, Pickett becomes an enticing focal point for North Carolina Betting Promos, despite the perceived odds stacked against him, especially considering he currently holds the No. 83 spot in the middleweight rankings.
However, despite his ranking, Pickett possesses several advantages that could tilt the scales in his favor. Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches with an 80-inch reach, he holds a physical advantage over his upcoming opponent, Anders. This size discrepancy could prove pivotal in keeping Anders at bay, whether in stand-up exchanges or grappling exchanges on the mat. Additionally, Pickett’s fighting style is characterized by balance, with nine of his thirteen victories coming by way of knockout and the remaining four by decision. Though he hasn’t secured a knockout victory in the UFC, his ability to finish fights demonstrates his capability to seize opportunities.
Despite a challenging run since his UFC debut, marked by a 2-6 record and a current four-match losing streak starting in February 2022, Pickett stands on the cusp of redemption. This juncture presents a prime opportunity for him to reclaim his former glory and carve out a legacy for himself in the fiercely competitive landscape of combat sports. For North Carolina Betting Promos, this presents an intriguing narrative ripe with potential for upsets and triumphs, adding another layer of excitement to the already electrifying world of MMA betting.
Who Ya Got?
As things stand right now, I like Anders as the favorite, both because of his track record and his unique talents. While Pickett’s size advantage does give me a bit of pause, as MMA is very much a game of inches, I think that Anders should win this match handily: he’s currently as much as a -300 favorite. Betting on a heavy favorite isn’t the way to win money, though, so if you’re looking to bet on this fight, take a look at the props.
Choosing the manner in which you think Anders will win, like the round he manages to secure victory or if he does so via knockout, submission or decision, are some easy ways to spice up the odds. While it’s riskier to bet that way, it can end up winning you quite a bit more money, so prop bets are always a good thing to keep an eye on.