A veteran’s farewell
Darren Elkins is getting ready to say goodbye to the Octagon for good. The 42-year-old UFC featherweight will take part in his final match on August 8 at UFC Vegas 120, where he will square off against Cuban newcomer Yadier del Valle. This fight, one of the main draws on the card, ends a 15-year run that has made Elkins one of the UFC's most dependable and intense fighters.
Elkins made it clear during media day for UFC Vegas 120 that age and injury were key reasons behind his decision. 'I'm older in age now, but mostly, I'm starting to get hurt more often,' he said in an interview with MMAmania.com. He added that he wanted to end his career under his own control, not through being released or an online statement.
A long, storied run
With 30 fights in the Octagon under his belt, Elkins has come out on top in battles few would call a sure thing. Known as 'The Damage,' the title of chaos and blood often follows him. 'But here I am — having a blast at something I love to do.'
He doesn’t expect a peaceful ending. His matches have rarely lacked for intensity, and he has no plans to move to bare-knuckle boxing, a path many former UFC fighters take. I told my wife I wouldn't even look at that.'
A fighter’s final walk
Elkins will put his gloves away for good after Saturday’s match. He made it clear that this is not a pause or a plan to return but a final step. 'This is it, brother,' he said. 'So, I wanted to do it and ride off into the sunset.' That sunset happens at Meta Apex, one of the UFC's top arenas. No matter what happens in the final rounds, Elkins steps out of the Octagon with his own message and by his own choice. Despite never capturing a UFC title or even fighting for the belt, Elkins will leave the UFC with several featherweight records to his name, including the most fights in UFC featherweight history with 28 bouts, the most decision wins in the division with 12, and the most takedowns landed at 65. He has also faced several high-profile fighters during his tenure, including former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, multi-time featherweight title challenger Chad Mendes, and all-time great featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.