Brad Tavares is one win away from becoming the winningest fighter in UFC middleweight history as he prepares to face Eryk Anders at UFC Fight Night 269 on Mar. 14, 2026, at the META Apex in Enterprise, USA.
Brad Tavares Eyes History With Victory Over Eryk Anders
Tavares (21-11 MMA, 16-11 UFC) will enter the bout tied for the most middleweight wins in UFC history, and a victory would move him past the current mark of 16 wins held jointly with a former champion. He already leads the division in several career categories, including total fights, decision wins and total fight time (5: 49: 18), as listed by UFC Stats.
Speaking at media day, Tavares downplayed chasing career milestones, saying, “I’ve never been one to chase those types of things. I’ve always been competitive. That’s why I got into this. I’ve just always wanted to be better than the guy standing across from me. So, any record or accolade that I’ve compiled along the way, you know, I feel like it’s just because I’m blessed by God. He’s given me the ability, skillset, the longevity to be here and to do this. ” He added that while he intends to leave with the record, his focus remains on beating Anders.
Fight Context: Prelims Penultimate Pairing and Recent Form
The matchup is scheduled as the penultimate pairing on the prelims for UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs Vallejos. Anders comes in with a 17-9 MMA record and a 9-9 mark in the UFC. He is seeking to rebound after a first-round finish loss in his last outing.
Tavares is also returning from defeat, having been stopped in the third round by Robert Bryczek in his most recent appearance the previous September. Both veterans are aiming to reset their trajectories with this fight on the Vegas card.
Stakes, Records and What Comes Next
A win for Tavares would not only break the tie for most middleweight wins but would further cement his longevity in the division, where he already holds the record for most total fights and total fight time. The bout will test whether he can convert accumulated experience and minutes into a landmark victory.
Following this fight, the fighters will move on based on the result: Tavares would claim sole possession of the middleweight wins record with a victory, while Anders would look to halt Tavares’ march and build momentum after his recent loss. Both competitors have framed the fight as straightforward competition rather than a chase for milestones, with Tavares emphasizing beating his opponent as the primary goal.
The matchup between Tavares and Anders is set for Mar. 14, 2026, at the META Apex, and it will be one of the division’s most watched prelim bouts given the potential record implications.
