The momentum of UFC on ESPN 8 finally slowed down a bit, as Krzysztof Jotko weathered a barrage of clinches from Eryk Anders to take home the victory.
Eryk Anders and Krzysztof Jotko were two middleweights looking to run up three-fight win streaks at the UFC on ESPN 8 card. Alabama’s Anders, and Poland’s Jotko, finally seemed to be hitting their stride ahead of the Jacksonville, Florida, show. Jotko was coming off of shoulder surgery, and feeling 100% for the first time in ages, while Anders had added motivation, with teammate Walt Harris making his return in the main event.
Krzysztof Jotko started the fight with a few kicks, both high and low. Anders pushed in with a combo but Jotko circled out of the way. Jotko landed a slick combination and Anders answered by pushing him against the cage and shooting for a takedown. Jotko defended well, then Anders landed a right on the exit. Jotko got in deep on a takedown, but Anders had nearly taken the back with a reversal. Jotko got out of danger quickly with a scramble, but Anders started to land with more success as the round went on, using his strength to keep Jotko near the cage.
Jotko landed a straight punch early and Anders blitzed in with a combination. He shot in for a double-leg against the cage, lifted up Jotko but couldn’t bring him down. Jotko separated and popped a few jabs, but Anders pinned him to the fence again. He once again had his hands clasped, but Jotko defended a second time. Anders stayed on him, tried another time for a takedown but could not get it before time expired.
Anders went right back to work for the takedown at the start of the round and after using many different approaches, Jotko escaped. Anders was hit by a combination and answered with a big hook. Jotko was landing shots as Anders tried to come in with heavy blows. Anders went back to the clinch and yet again, Jotko did not let anything happen. Jotko landed a combination after the break and again Anders pushed him against the cage. There was a brief exchange at the very end of the fight.
Krzysztof Jotko def. Eryk Anders by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
