VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WBRC) – Eryk Anders is focused on coaching full-time after retiring from the UFC on his own terms.
The former Alabama football national champion is now the owner of Ya Boi Fitness Academy in Vestavia Hills. “Ya Boi” is a nickname from a friend of his that stuck.
Anders said his gym isn’t a fighting gym. Instead, it’s about helping build confidence that will last a lifetime.
Building on lessons from football and MMA
Anders has learned a lot through his football and mixed martial arts careers, and now, he hopes to pass it on.
“Discipline, work ethic, and things like that that all the great coaches that I’ve played and coached under have instilled in me,” Anders said.
Anders’ UFC journey began in 2017. It ended in March when he won his 20th career fight and then announced his retirement inside the Octagon.
“I think that’s the coolest part of the story. I got to choose, not father time, or the UFC, or somebody else choosing when I’m done fighting,” Anders said. He won 10 UFC fights.
But for this next chapter, Anders is thinking bigger than wins and losses.
“I’m not really too interested in fighters. I’m really more interested in the common person, discipline, and teaching them a skill they can take forever,” Anders said.
Staying connected to the community
Anders is hoping that this gym allows him to stay involved in a community that means so much to him.
“I haven’t played football for Alabama in 16-17 years, nd still, walking through Walmart, people from down the street are like hey, you’re the guy from the National Championship Game or the guy who fights in the UFC,” Anders said.
Anders said his message to all of his students is that failure isn’t fatal. No matter what happens to you in sport or in life, get back up and keep it moving.
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