In this in-depth interview, Eryk Anders reflects on the evolution of his MMA journey — from his transition out of college football to becoming a mainstay in the UFC's middleweight division. We talk about the mental and physical adjustments he's had to make over the years, how he's dealt with inconsistency in performance, and the challenge of staying sharp in a sport that doesn't slow down.Anders doesn't sugarcoat the reality of being a professional fighter: he opens up about the pressure to perform, navigating losses, and learning how to adapt without losing the core of what makes him dangerous in the cage. With a fight scheduled for August, he discusses the changes he's made and what he's focusing on this time around.He also shares details about his next chapter outside the cage — opening a new gym in Alabama — and how he hopes to use it as a way to give back to the community and invest in the next generation of fighters.