Darren Elkins is ready to close one of the longest careers in UFC featherweight history. The 42-year-old veteran will make his final walk to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 120, where he meets rising prospect Yadier del Valle before officially calling it a career.
Years of Wear Led to Retirement
Elkins said the decision had been building for some time as the physical demands of training became harder to manage.
“I’m older in age now, but mostly I’m starting to get hurt a little bit more often.”
He admitted that staying in the gym has become much tougher than it once was.
“Getting to train all the time is taking more of a toll on my body than used to, so it’s time.”
After discussing it with his family, Elkins decided this was the right moment to step away from competition.
“I’ve been contemplating it for a while and I just talked to my family.”
He also wanted the chance to retire inside the Octagon instead of announcing it after the fact.
“I’ve always wanted to lay my gloves in the octagon and do it where most people don’t get that chance, right?”
Elkins leaves behind a remarkable UFC run that began in 2010 and included 30 appearances, finishing with a promotional record of 19 wins and 11 losses.
Looking back on his career, he is grateful for how long he remained among the sport’s elite.
“There’s been some downs, there’s been some ups, but dang, I never thought I’d be doing this for a living for this long.”
He also credited his longevity to constantly improving his skills.
“I started over 16 years ago and the reason why I’m still here is because I kept on evolving my game, so I can be proud about it.”
No Bare-Knuckle Future for “The Damage”
Although Elkins plans to remain active in competition, he says it will not involve getting punched in the face again.
He mentioned wrestling events such as RAF as a possibility but laughed off the idea of joining BKFC.
“I’d probably die.”
His wife also made sure that option never became a reality.
“My MMA fights are bloody. Could you imagine me in that? No.”
Final Test Against a Young Prospect
Elkins’ farewell fight comes against 10-1 prospect Yadier del Valle, who is more than a decade younger than the longtime UFC veteran.
The matchup was exactly what Elkins expected after announcing his retirement.
“This is the UFC, there’s not going to be any favors, you know?”