Eryk Anders has plenty of reason to care for his brain between his UFC career and time in collegiate football.
Eryk Anders is doing everything he can to mitigate brain-health risks associated with his current and past careers.
There is a blossoming relationship between professional fighters and Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive element of cannabis. Count Anders among those who believe CBD is a beneficial part of their post-training and post-fight preparation.
“It’s awesome, man. It really helps me recover,” he told Bloody Elbow ahead of his light-heavyweight clash with Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 236. “It makes me feel better. One of the bigger things about CBD is it has shown to kind of help prevent Alzheimer’s [disease] and dementia and stuff. Coming from football and now doing this, that’s important for me.”
Cannabis use for both recovery and recreation is a growing trend as more states and countries begin legalizing marijuana. Anders, 31, is willing to believe some degree of the CBD craze is a fad, but what he knows for certain is it works for him.
“For me, personally, I don’t get into the pot culture. Just cause Fighter A is doing it doesn’t mean I have to do it too. I feel I was one of the first fighters to get on CBD,” Anders said. “I had no idea what it was at first,” he admitted. “I tried it and loved it. I use it every day. It helps me sleep. There are no psychoactive effects. It just helps mellow me out. I get deeper sleep and that’s a big part of recovery right there.”
Anders’ CBD use might put him in a mellow mood these days, but he promises there will be nothing mellow about his fight with Rountree.
“I have several ways to win this fight. Knockout, submission or TKO. This fight is definitely not going to the judges,” he assured. “It’s definitely one of those me or him type things. I’m very confident in my ability to be the guy standing up at the end of the fight.”
UFC 236 takes place at the State Farm Arena on Saturday, April 13. Keep up with Bloody Elbow for live highlights, updates, and results on all of the night’s action.