Yadier del Valle embraces challenge of facing Darren Elkins in final UFC fight

The matchup between Darren Elkins and Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 120 this Saturday won't be just any fight. After more than 16 years in the UFC, "The Damage" will make his last appearance in the Octagon. However, del Valle has no intention of treating the bout as a farewell party. Aware of the threat posed by his experienced opponent, "The Cuban Problem" is expecting the veteran to bring his best and is already preparing for a war inside the cage.

Yadier del Valle Expects a War Against Darren Elkins

With more than 40 fights in his professional career, Elkins has been part of some memorable wars inside the Octagon. As his final UFC fight approaches, Del Valle expects nothing less from the veteran and knows he will face a dangerous opponent. Speaking to Hablemos MMA, the Cuban prospect praised Elkins but made it clear he will be looking for a finish against him.

"I'm going to come out to finish him," del Valle began. "I look to get a finish and a bonus. He's retiring, and that's it. I think because it's his last fight, he might want to give a final war, so I mentally have prepared myself for a war. I don't expect this to be an easy fight. I'm thinking I'm fighting a dangerous guy with a lot of experience. He's an old lion in this promotion. I expect the best from him. I expect him to be aggressive and try to take me out."

Darren Elkins Has Been Around Since del Valle's Childhood

Despite planning to finish Elkins, Del Valle has nothing but respect for the American veteran. When Elkins made his UFC debut in 2010, the Cuban prospect was still a child living in Cuba. Now, more than a decade later, Del Valle finds himself as the final opponent of Elkins' UFC career.

"Since I was a kid, basically," Del Valle said. "Since I was a kid living in Cuba, Elkins was already fighting in the UFC. I can't say he was one of the fighters I followed, but I recognized him, and I knew about his trajectory in the UFC. [...] It's an honor to share the Octagon with him for his final fight."

Yadier del Valle Expects Elkins to Target Grappling

After struggling with his grappling and takedown defense against Jordan Leavitt in his last fight, del Valle expects Elkins to try to exploit that weakness and take the fight to the ground. However, the Cuban prospect believes he has made the necessary adjustments and is confident he can surprise the veteran if he takes that approach.

"I think he's going to come out and do his game," del Valle said. "After watching my last fight, he's probably going to want to wrestle, probably thinks my ground game is not the best, and I think we can give him a big surprise."

Elkins' experience and reputation make him a dangerous opponent for anyone, but del Valle is confident in his preparation. With a finish as his goal, the Cuban prospect believes he is ready for whatever the veteran brings to the Octagon.