UFC 263 Prelims: Eryk Anders vs Darren Stewart: Prediction and Analysis

A light-heavyweight match-up between Eryk Anders and Darren Stewart will go down in the preliminary card of the UFC 263 pay-per-view this weekend. The pair previously clashed in March on a UFC Fight Night card. Much like the main event of that card, the fight between Anders and Stewart ended in a no-contest because of an illegal knee by the former.

Nevertheless, they have been matched up again. But, the fact that this fight is scheduled in the light-heavyweight division this time might favor ‘Ya Boi’ as he has previously competed at 205. On the flip side, UFC fans consider Stewart somewhat undersized even for the middleweight division.

‘The Dentist’ has won only 2 out of his last 5 fights inside the Octagon. Apart from the no contest in his last fight, he has dropped decisions against Kevin Holland and Bartosz Fabinski recently. A submission over Maki Pitolo is his last win in the promotion.

Anders doesn’t hold a very impressive record in recent times as well. His current professional record stands at 13-5.

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‘Ya Boi’ has 9 finishes (8 T/KO and 1 submission) under his belt; Stewart has a record of 12-6 with 8 finishes (7 T/KO and 1 submission)

Eryk Anders vs Darren Stewart: Analysis

As seen in their previous fight, Anders was clearly winning the early exchanges. Also, Stewart was actually rocked by the illegal knee. So, it’s surprising to see him back in action within 3 months after being knocked out.

Anders might be able to take advantage of his size over Stewart. As he knows the game plan to actually dismantle ‘The Dentist’, it’s all about applying that once again for him. ‘Ya Boi’ might just do that to earn himself a first-round finish.

Final Prediction: Eryk ‘Ya Boi’ Anders by first-round T/KO

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