Former Alabama LB Eryk Anders Drops Decision at UFC 289

Anders pushed the pace, but it was precision striking from Marc-Andre Barriault that saw the Canadian take a unanimous decision on the judges' scorecard.

Joe Gaither | Jun 10, 2023

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Alabama Crimson Tide

UFC Middleweight Eyrk Anders stuck to the game plan on Saturday night. The former Alabama linebacker was the aggressor throughout his UFC 289 clash with Marc-Andre Barriault. Unfortunately, Anders' aggression was met with the Canadian's crisp striking, resulting in a three round brawl which the judges scored unanimously in Barriault's favor.

Anders began the first round by taking the center of the cage, but a combination of a kick and punch immediately floored the former Alabama linebacker.

The middleweights scrambled off the ground, and it was still Anders pushing the action. The pair found themselves in the clinch like rams with horns locked and both exchanged body blows and elbows in close proximity throughout the round.

Marc-André Barriault and Eryk Anders go to WAR to open up the PPV‼️

Marc-André Barriault wins a unanimous decision in his home country!

Canada is now 4-0 🇨🇦#UFC289 pic.twitter.com/Xt5WXhy06A
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) June 11, 2023

The second round began in the exact same fashion as Anders continued to impress with his energy and effort. Barriault continued to defend and counter with angry accuracy scoring points and frustrating Anders.

The round got a little controversial as Barriault connected not once, but twice with low blows in active exchanges. UFC referee Jerin Valel allowed Anders enough time to recover, but didn't see fit to deduct a point from Barriault.

Anders slowed down Barriault, created enough, scrambled and secured his only takedown of the fight in the second round, leading many to see the battle as even going into the final round.

The third round was all the Canadian, fighting in Vancouver, as he danced around Anders throughout the final five minutes, landing body kicks and straight left hands to secure the victory.

#UFC289 Official Scorecard: Marc-Andre Barriault (@PowerBarriault) vs Eryk Anders

Complete Vancouver Scorecards 🇨🇦: https://t.co/fdjmN4H9II pic.twitter.com/qpV0czQ8ZC
— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 11, 2023

Barriault concluded the contest with more significant strikes, particularly to the head. He scored the first round knock-down and he looked the fresher fighter. All three judges scored the fight 30-27 in his favor, to take his record to 16-6-1.

The loss won't be the end of Anders as he recently signed a new contract with the UFC and verbally stated he had five more fights entering the evening. He'll return to America with the loss, making his record 15-8-1, but he earned respect in the MMA by pushing the pace and putting on an exciting performance.

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