UFC Vegas 21 takes place this weekend. A welterweight clash between Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards and Belal ‘Remember the Name’ Muhammad will headline the fight card. However, the rest of the card however is also stacked with some interesting fights that can not be missed. A middleweight bout between Eryk Anders and Darren Stewart is one such fight.
Both men are currently unranked at 185 pounds and are coming into the fight on the back of a loss in their recent outings. They will look to turn things around and bounce back into the win column this weekend.
Leading up to the fight, we look at strengths and weaknesses for both men and a possible route to victory for both fighters involved. Given each fighter’s record, it would be a surprise to see this bout play out on the floor.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read: Dana White reveals potential next opponent for UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman
Eryk Anders vs Darren Stewart will be an exciting fight at UFC Vegas 21
Eryk Anders made his UFC debut in July 2017. He has since had a topsy-turvy career in the promotion, with a few wins sandwiched in between a few losses. He is currently 2-1 in his last three fights. Most recently, he succumbed to a unanimous decision loss against Krzysztof Jotko in May last year.
Darren Stewart has been in the UFC since November 2016. Although he was winless in his first four UFC fights, he has bounced back impressively with impressive performances of late. He is 1-2 in his last three fights. Most recently, he succumbed to a split decision loss against Kevin Holland in September last year.
‘Ya Boi’ has secured 62% of his wins via T/KO. He has landed an impressive 3.02 significant strikes per minute in his UFC career thus far. Against Stewart, a one-inch reach advantage should help him in the striking department.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Anders has absorbed a concerning 4.18 significant strikes per minute, which can be his downfall.
‘The Dentist’ has secured an impressive 58% of his wins via T/KO. He has landed an impressive 3.08 significant strikes per minute in his UFC career and has absorbed just 2.82 in return thus far.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Given the recent form and advantage in the striking department, ‘The Dentist’ should be able to secure a win if he is able to keep the fight on the feet. His 66% takedown defense when faced with a 34% takedown accuracy should aid him to do just that.
Prediction: Darren Stewart via T/KO