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‘I’d Probably Die’: Elkins Retires, Rules Out BKFC Move
UFC Veteran Darren Elkins Says Goodbye: The "Last Dance" at UFC Vegas 120
Who Is Darren Elkins?
Imagine showing up to work every day for 16 years knowing you might get punched in the face. That’s been Darren Elkins’ life. At 42 years old, he’s stepping into the UFC octagon (that’s the eight-sided cage where they fight) one final time this Saturday night.
Important Point: Elkins isn’t just any fighter—he’s competed 30 times in the UFC since 2010, winning 19 of those fights. That’s like playing in the Super Bowl 30 times!
Why Is He Retiring Now?
Elkins explained his decision simply during media day:
- Age catches up: "I’m older in age now"
- Body says stop: "Getting to train all the time is taking more of a toll on my body than used to"
- Family first: He talked it over with his family and they agreed—it’s time
- His way out: He always wanted to lay his gloves down in the octagon (a tradition where fighters leave their gloves in the cage to signal retirement)
Important Point: Most fighters don’t get to choose their exit—they either get cut from the roster or announce retirement on social media. Elkins wanted his moment.
The Rollercoaster Career
Elkins’ journey wasn’t a straight line up. Think of it like a video game with boss battles:
The Low Point (2014)
- Lost to Hacran Dias in Brazil
- Seriously considered quitting
- But he got advice to switch teams
The Comeback (The "Evolution")
- Switched gyms and won 6 fights in a row!
- Beat big names like Dennis Bermudez and Michael Johnson
- Only stopped by Alexander Volkanovski (who later became UFC champion!)
The Secret to Longevity
Important Point: Elkins credits constant evolution. He says: "I’ve seen a lot of guys that stop evolving and that’s when I usually get kicked out of the UFC, they start losing. I knew how to entertain, put on entertaining fights and keep evolving."
What’s Next? (And What’s Definitely NOT Next)
Might Do:
- Wrestling for RAF (Real American Freestyle) — competition without punches to the face
Absolutely Not:
- Bare-knuckle boxing (BKFC)
- Elkins laughed: "I’d probably die… My MMA fights are bloody. Could you imagine me in that? No. I promised my wife I wouldn’t even look at that place."
The Final Opponent: Yadier del Valle
This is where it gets wild. Del Valle was 10 years old when Elkins made his pro debut!
| Fighter | Age | UFC Record | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Elkins | 42 | 19-11 | 30 UFC fights since 2010 |
| Yadier del Valle | ~22 | 2-1 | Nicknamed "The Cuban Problem" |
Elkins isn’t surprised by the matchup: "I expected when I said I was going be a retirement fight that I was going to probably be a younger guy… they know when I’m in the octagon, it’s going to be a crazy fight."
Summary
Darren Elkins, the "warrior who never gave up on himself," is closing a 16-year chapter this Saturday. From nearly quitting in 2014 to a six-fight win streak, he survived by constantly evolving. Now, at 42, his body has sent the final notice. He’ll face a fighter two decades younger, but Elkins wouldn’t have it any other way—one last crazy fight, then gloves down, ride into the sunset.
FAQ
Q: How many fights has Elkins had in the UFC?
A: 30 fights since 2010—that’s one of the highest totals in UFC history!
Q: Why does he want to lay his gloves in the octagon?
A: It’s a respected tradition where a fighter leaves their gloves in the cage center to officially signal retirement. Most fighters don’t get this honor—they’re either released or announce it online.
Q: Who is Alexander Volkanovski?
A: The fighter who snapped Elkins’ 6-fight win streak. Volkanovski went on to become the UFC Featherweight Champion—widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters ever.
Q: What is RAF wrestling?
A: Real American Freestyle—a wrestling league where athletes compete in freestyle wrestling matches. No punches, kicks, or submissions—just pure grappling.
Q: Why no bare-knuckle boxing?
A: Elkins’ MMA fights are already famously bloody. Without gloves, the damage would be extreme. Plus, he promised his wife—and smart husbands keep those promises!
