In a pivotal matchup with major implications for his career, seasoned veteran Eryk Anders is set to face off against the UK’s own Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Vegas 109. This bout, scheduled for August 9, 2025, marks one of Anders’s final two fights before his planned retirement. Fresh off a powerful TKO win over Chris Weidman last December, Anders is confident that his aggressive, high-pressure style will be the key to victory, especially in the smaller Octagon at the UFC Apex. A win here would not only be a significant personal milestone but could also pave the way for his dream farewell fight at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
Eryk Anders’ Retirement Plans and Career Ambition
As he nears the end of his MMA journey, Eryk Anders has made it clear that his contract with the UFC has just two fights remaining, and he intends for them to be his last. Having recently secured a notable TKO victory, the veteran middleweight fighter expressed a strong desire to stay active and get his final bouts completed this year. Anders, a pragmatic fighter, openly acknowledges the physical toll of the sport, yet remains passionate about his craft.
“I like to stay active, I like to fight. I have two fights left, and I’d like to get them done this year,” Anders said during an interview with Just Scrap Radio.
While the prospect of retirement is a central theme in his current career, he hasn’t completely closed the door on fighting if the right financial opportunity presents itself after his contract concludes.
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Key Strategies for the Christian Leroy Duncan Fight
Anders is heading into the UFC Vegas 109 bout with a clear game plan, believing the circumstances of the fight will play to his advantage. The small dimensions of the Octagon at the UFC Apex are a key factor in his strategy. He predicts this setting will limit Duncan’s movement, allowing Anders to apply his trademark relentless pressure.
“This fight here kind of favours me with the smaller Octagon. Duncan likes to move around a lot, so it will limit the amount of space he has,” he stated confidently.
Anders’s approach is centred on aggressive pressure and leveraging clinch situations. He’s prepared to adapt his tactics, whether it involves heavy striking or wrestling, to secure the win. Anders believes his years of experience have honed his fight IQ, giving him a crucial edge against Duncan’s elusive style.
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A Dream Farewell at Madison Square Garden
Looking beyond his upcoming fight, Anders has a clear vision for his final career moment: a retirement fight at the legendary Madison Square Garden. The venue holds significant personal importance for Anders, who missed a previous opportunity to fight there due to illness.
“I would love to fight in Madison Square Garden. It’s a dream,” Anders reflected, highlighting his desire to make his final Octagon appearance on such a prestigious stage.
If he is successful against Duncan, he hopes the victory will lead to a spot on the November card in New York, allowing him to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
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| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Fighters | Eryk Anders vs Christian Leroy Duncan |
| Event | UFC Vegas 109 |
| Date | August 9, 2025 |
| Career Status | Anders plans to retire after his next two fights and hopes for a final bout at Madison Square Garden. |
| Fighting Strategy | Anders will use pressure and an improved fight IQ to limit Duncan’s movement in the smaller Octagon. |
| Previous Fight | Anders secured a TKO win over Chris Weidman in December. |
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What is Eryk Anders’ current status in his fighting career?
Eryk Anders is nearing retirement with only two fights left on his UFC contract, which he plans to complete this year. His last victory was a TKO win over Chris Weidman in December.
Who is Eryk Anders fighting at UFC Vegas 109?
Eryk Anders is scheduled to fight Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Vegas 109, which will be held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Why does Eryk Anders believe the smaller Octagon will benefit him?
Anders believes the confined space of the smaller Octagon will be a key advantage, as it will limit Christian Leroy Duncan’s ability to move, allowing Anders to effectively apply his aggressive, high-pressure fighting style.
Does Eryk Anders have a specific location in mind for his final fight?
Yes, Anders has expressed a strong desire for his retirement fight to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York, a venue he considers a dream location.
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