Round 1 – They meet in the middle and begin lead hand fighting. Anders pressures from the center. He offers a punch to set up a single leg. Pickett gets his leg back and they wrestle for position along the fence. Eventually Pickett separates and eats a left from Anders. Pickett then stings Anders with a beautiful counter right hand. Anders gets back in on a single leg. He lifts Pickett and nearly gets him down, but Pickett’s defense is solid. They separate again. Pickett floors Anders with a hard right hand! He rushes in for follow-ups, but Anders is still there and threatens a submission. Pickett escapes and they’re back to the feet a few moments later. They exchange strikes, with Anders looking for a takedown before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Pickett.
Round 2 – Pickett looks for a right to start, but Anders evades and slaps with a leg kick. A clinch is initiated by Anders and they jockey for position against the fence, but once again, Pickett’s defense prevents a takedown. They return to the center for a moment before Anders looks for another takedown. This time, Anders is successful. However, nothing occurs on the mat before Pickett gets back to his feet. Anders sticks with the clinch, but Pickett gets free and unleashes a combination. Anders steps away to reset and gets in on another takedown, his easiest completion yet. Anders postures up in half guard, landing punches to the head. Pickett turns and covers up as Anders throws punches until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Anders.
Round 3 – Anders pressures forward with punches to start. Pickett’s head movement is effective, but Anders changes levels and completes a takedown. First in half guard, then to side control. Anders unloads punches and elbows on Pickett. The referee calls for Pickett to improve, and he works his way up to his feet with Anders still attached to his hips. Two minutes remain, and another takedown by Anders. Working from half guard again, Anders looks to land punches and advance his position. Anders stands for a moment, but goes back in half guard. A choke is threatened, but the horn sounds a few seconds later.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Anders, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Eryk Anders def. Jamie Pickett via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 238: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Anders (16-8 MMA, 8-9 UFC), Pickett (13-11 MMA, 2-7 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: (29-27), (29-28), (29-28)