UFC Vegas 114 MMA Match Preview: Brad Tavares (21-12-0) vs. Eryk Anders (17-9-0, 1 NC)

The UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos (also known as UFC Vegas 114 or UFC Fight Night 269) features a veteran middleweight clash between Brad Tavares and Eryk Anders on the preliminary card. This matchup pits two long-time UFC staples against each other, with Tavares aiming to break Michael Bisping’s all-time UFC middleweight wins record (currently tied at 16) and Anders looking to rebound from a recent setback. Both fighters bring experience and knockout power, but Tavares’ durability and striking volume could clash with Anders’ athleticism and counter-striking in what might be a bittersweet fight for Tavares due to their similar ages and styles.

Venue Location

Meta APEX (formerly UFC APEX)
6650 El Camino Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA
This 130,000-square-foot facility is a staple for UFC Fight Night events, featuring a smaller octagon (25 feet in diameter) that often leads to more action-packed fights due to reduced space for movement. No live audience is expected, creating an intimate, high-production broadcast environment.

Prelims: 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT)
Main Card: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Paramount+ (streaming live), UFC Fight Pass (international). The Tavares vs. Anders bout is on the prelims, likely airing early in the undercard depending on fight pacing.

Injury Report

Brad Tavares

Out: None reported.
Questionable: No recent injuries noted; Tavares last fought in September 2025, suffering a TKO loss but with no disclosed lingering issues. He’s been active in training without setbacks.
Notes: At 38 years old, Tavares has a history of durability (only 3 stoppage losses in UFC), but monitor for any age-related wear during fight week.

Eryk Anders

Out: None reported.
Questionable: Potential recovery from August 2025 TKO loss (punches); no specific injuries announced, but the quick turnaround (7 months) suggests full clearance.
Notes: Anders, also 38, has shown resilience post-losses but has a history of absorbing heavy damage; no major concerns heading into the bout.

Fighter Matchups

This middleweight veteran showdown features contrasting yet complementary styles: Tavares’ high-volume striking and takedown defense against Anders’ explosive power and athleticism. Both are 38, stand 6’1″ with similar reaches (Tavares 74″, Anders 75″), setting up a technical battle where southpaw Anders (orthodox Tavares) could exploit angles. The smaller APEX cage may favor clinch work and finishes.

Aspect	Brad Tavares (USA, 21-12-0)	Eryk Anders (USA, 17-9-0, 1 NC)	Key Insight
Striking	Volume striker; lands 4.2 sig. strikes/min, 60% accuracy	Power puncher; 3.8 sig. strikes/min, 44% KO rate	Tavares’ output vs. Anders’ counters; Tavares absorbs less (3.5/min) but Anders hits harder.
Grappling	1.2 takedowns/15min, 85% defense; rarely submits	1.5 takedowns/15min, 70% defense; wrestling background	Anders’ football athleticism could force ground game, but Tavares’ sprawl is elite.
Cardio/Durability	67% to decision; chin tested (3 UFC KO losses)	67% to decision; durable but recent TKO losses	Both veterans; Tavares’ experience (32 UFC fights) edges endurance in later rounds.
Experience	UFC: 16-11 since 2010; former TUF alum	UFC: 9-9 (1 NC) since 2017; ex-LFA champ	Tavares’ Octagon mileage vs. Anders’ adaptability; both seeking rebound wins.
Intangibles	-130 favorite; record chase motivation	+110 underdog; short-notice vibe post-loss	Tavares’ Hawaii roots vs. Anders’ Alabama power; age parity makes recovery key.

Recent Form

Brad Tavares

Sep 7, 2025: L vs. Robert Bryczek (TKO R3) – Stopped by punches.
Apr 6, 2025: W vs. Gerald Meerschaert (U Dec) – Outstruck opponent.
Oct 12, 2024: L vs. Jun Yong Park (U Dec) – Competitive loss.
Apr 13, 2024: L vs. Gregory Rodrigues (TKO R3) – Ground-and-pound finish.
Aug 19, 2023: W vs. Chris Weidman (U Dec) – Leg kick dominance. Form: L-W-L-L-W (alternating results, strong against veterans).

Eryk Anders

Aug 9, 2025: L vs. Christian Leroy Duncan (TKO R1) – Early stoppage.
Dec 7, 2024: W vs. Chris Weidman (KO R2) – Punches finish.
Mar 2, 2024: W vs. Jamie Pickett (U Dec) – Dominant performance.
Jun 10, 2023: L vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (U Dec) – Close fight.
Dec 3, 2022: W vs. Kyle Daukaus (TKO R2) – Ground strikes. Form: L-W-W-L-W (rebounding well, but vulnerable to power).

Fight History

No prior meetings between Tavares and Anders. They share common opponents like Chris Weidman (Tavares W Dec 2023; Anders W KO 2024) and others, but paths haven’t crossed. This inaugural matchup adds unpredictability, with no direct stylistic history to draw from.

FIGHT ODDS

Brad Tavares – 130

Eryk Anders + 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026