UFC Fighter Eryk Anders Announces Retirement After Win

Anders cites physical and mental readiness for decision, but leaves door open for return.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:20am

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UFC fighter Eryk Anders announced his retirement from MMA after defeating Brad Tavares at UFC Fight Night 269 in Las Vegas. Anders, a former standout linebacker at the University of Alabama, cited being at peace with his decision and wanting to preserve his brain health after a 30-year sports career. However, the 38-year-old acknowledged that "money talks" and left the door open to a potential return if the right offer came along.

Why it matters

Anders' retirement announcement is noteworthy given his success in the UFC, including a win over former champion Chris Weidman. His decision to walk away highlights the physical and mental toll of a long career in combat sports, as well as the difficult balance between knowing when to retire versus potentially returning for one more payday.

The details

In his post-fight news conference, Anders said he felt better physically and mentally going into the Tavares fight than ever before. He cited making more money from his gym business than fighting, as well as wanting to preserve his brain health, as key factors in his retirement decision. However, Anders acknowledged the lure of a big money offer that could potentially bring him back to the Octagon.

  • Anders announced his retirement immediately after his win over Tavares at UFC Fight Night 269 on March 16, 2026.
  • Anders will turn 39 years old next month.

The players

Eryk Anders

A 38-year-old UFC fighter with a 18-9 professional record, including 10 wins in the UFC. Anders was a standout linebacker at the University of Alabama, winning a national championship in 2009, before transitioning to MMA.

Brad Tavares

A veteran UFC middleweight with a 21-12 professional record, including 16 wins in the UFC. Tavares lost a unanimous decision to Anders at UFC Fight Night 269.

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What they’re saying

“I'm done. There's a lot internally that goes on. I'm happy. I'm at peace. Twenty fights (in the UFC), I've made some money, I've got my gym I've been running and it's profitable already. I'm almost 40 – I'll be 39 next month.”

— Eryk Anders (MMA Junkie)

“We all know money talks, so if they come with some money, of course. But I'm cool.”

— Eryk Anders (MMA Junkie)

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Anders' retirement will stick, as he acknowledged the potential for a return if a lucrative offer came along.

The takeaway

Anders' retirement decision highlights the difficult balance MMA fighters face between preserving their long-term health and the potential for one more big payday. His announcement also underscores the physical and mental toll of a lengthy combat sports career, even for successful athletes like Anders.