Anders vs Stewart Analysis and Prediction
Want to view analysis and predictions for all the match-ups on UFC 263?
Eryk Anders (13-5) vs Darren Stewart (12-6)
Light Heavyweight (205)
Eryk Anders
Eryk Anders is pretty much finished as a prospect in the Middleweight division. The thirty-three-year-old has endured a stonkingly poor run since 2018. Moving up LHW seems to be the answer that Anders is searching for. Once perceived as an exciting brick s**thouse of a man who walked opponents down and broke them, Anders had been exposed as a one-dimensional, plodding grinder since the Lyoto Machida match-up. His size in the clinch results in a decent amount of success, but Anders inability to set a decent pace on the feet often leaves him being countered to the tune of his opponent. That was until the last time out against Stewart (before a stupid decision ended it in an NC). By upping his volume, Anders’ increased activity harked back to the ‘prospect Anders’ that fans were wild over. His natural physical advantages overwhelmed Stewart and nullified the Brit’s own physical advantages.
Darren Stewart
Big Darren Stewart could see himself developing into a strange Michael Bisping role over the coming years if he keeps sharpening his tools. Although thirty years old, Stewart has looked fantastic in his previous two. Snapping up a rapid first-round guillotine choke against the explosive striker, Maki Pitolo, and then dropping a VERY dubious split decision to 2020 breakout fighter, Kevin Holland, it is safe to say that Darren Stewart is a problem at 185. While not athletically as gifted as many in the organisation, he is a grinder who has recently perfected the transition between pressure boxing and roughing up opponents against the cage. Unfortunately, Stewart massively struggled in the first fight as he was unable to rely on his physical gifts to rag-doll his opponents. While changes will have been made to the approach, Stewart seems destined to come off losing all of their 50/50 exchanges.
Predicted Result: Anders Decision
Last time out against Stewart, Ander’s returned to the form that had fans excited a few years back. Upping his volume and utilising his natural physical advantages in the clinch, Anders overwhelmed Stewart. Unable to call upon his physicality to rag-doll Anders, Stewart seems destined to once again lose the 50/50 coin flips as the weaker physical specimen. Stewart is a durable grinder that Anders will struggle to break, however.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68962095/1306927753.0.jpg?w=723&ssl=1)
Want to view analysis and predictions for all the match-ups on UFC 263?
Tipping Jar
Pintsized Interests is just a baby finding its first steps in the big, bad world of sports journalism. If you enjoy the content that is regularly uploaded then please consider donating via the link below. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and will go towards ensuring the survival of Pintsized Interests in the long-term.