UFC veteran Darren Elkins announces retirement fight
The longtime featherweight has revealed he will step into the Octagon one last time before calling it a career.
After spending more than 16 years in the UFC and making 30 fights in the promotion, Darren Elkins is ready to make the walk one last time. The longtime featherweight veteran has announced that his upcoming bout against Yadier Del Valle will be the final fight of his professional career. The matchup is scheduled for UFC Fight Night 284 on Aug. 8 in Las Vegas.
Darren Elkins to Retire Aug. 8
Following the official UFC announcement of the fight against Del Valle, Elkins took to Instagram to reveal he will be retiring from competition after the bout, calling it his "last dance". It has been over a year since the veteran last competed inside the Octagon, when he faced Julian Erosa and was defeated via first-round TKO. The matchup will also pit one of the UFC's most experienced veterans against a newcomer preparing for just his fourth appearance in the promotion.
Darren Elkins Had One of the UFC's Longest Careers
At 42 years old, Elkins is a true UFC veteran. "The Damage" made his promotional debut in March 2010 and has seen multiple generations of fighters come and go. Now, the American is expected to make his 31st fight, which will also be his last.
Known for his ability to absorb punishment before relying on his wrestling to turn the tide of a match — as seen in his legendary comeback victory at UFC 209 against Mirsad Bektic — Elkins has defeated names like Michael Johnson, Dennis Bermudez, T.J. Brown and Diego Brandão.
Regardless of the result against Del Valle, Elkins will leave the sport as one of the most durable featherweights of his generation and one of the fighters with the longest careers in UFC history.
