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‘I’d Probably Die’: Elkins Reveals Brutal Reason for UFC Retirement
Darren Elkins Hangs Up His Gloves: The "Damage" Fighter’s Final Dance
Who Is Darren Elkins?
Imagine a guy who steps into a cage for a living, gets punched in the face for 15 years, and still shows up with a smile. That’s Darren Elkins.
- Age: 42 (ancient in fighter years!)
- UFC Debut: 2010 — that’s 14 years ago
- Total UFC Fights: 30 (a promotional record)
- Record: 19 wins, 11 losses
- Nickname: "The Damage" — because he takes a beating but keeps coming forward
Think of him like the Energizer Bunny of MMA — he just keeps going, no matter how many times he gets knocked down.
Why Is He Retiring Now?
It wasn’t a sudden decision. Elkins had been thinking about it for a while. Here’s what he said at media day:
“I’m older in age now, but mostly I’m starting to get hurt a little bit more often. Getting to train all the time is taking more of a toll on my body than used to, so it’s time.”
The Big Reasons (In Simple Terms)
- Body says “enough” — Training camp feels harder every year
- More injuries — Little niggles turn into big problems
- Family first — He talked it over with his wife and kids
- Wanted a proper goodbye — Not a tweet, not a press release — in the cage, gloves on the mat, walking out on his own terms
Important Point: Most fighters don’t get to choose their exit. They get cut, or they just fade away. Elkins earned his farewell fight.
A Career Full of Comebacks
Elkins didn’t have an easy path. He almost quit once — back in 2014.
The Turning Point
| Year | Event | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Loss to Hacran Dias (Brazil) | Elkins considered retiring |
| Advice | Switch gyms | He listened — joined a new team |
| 2015–2017 | 6-fight win streak | Beat big names like Dennis Bermudez & Michael Johnson |
| 2018 | Loss to Alexander Volkanovski | Who? Only the future UFC Featherweight Champion |
Fun Fact: Volkanovski became a two-division champ. Losing to him? No shame at all.
Elkins credits evolution for his longevity:
“I started over 16 years ago… the reason why I’m still here is because I kept on evolving my game. I’ve seen a lot of guys that stop evolving and that’s when they start losing.”
What’s Next for “The Damage”?
He’s not disappearing — just switching lanes.
Yes, He’ll Still Compete
- Wrestling for RAF (Real American Freestyle) — no punches, no kicks, just grappling
- Loves competition, just wants to save his face (literally)
No Bare-Knuckle Boxing (BKFC)
“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.”
Translation: His wife said “Absolutely not.” Smart man. Happy wife, happy life.
The Final Fight: Elkins vs. Yadier del Valle
Tale of the Tape
| Fighter | Age | Record | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Elkins | 42 | 19–11 (UFC) | Made pro debut when del Valle was 10 years old |
| Yadier del Valle | 25 | 10–1 | Nickname: “The Cuban Problem” — 2 first-round chokes in UFC |
Elkins’ Mindset Going In
“This is the UFC, there’s not going to be any favors… I expected when I said I was going be a retirement fight that I was going to probably be a younger guy. I’m one of the older guys in the division, so it’s going to be a younger guy and probably a pretty tough guy because they know when I’m in the octagon, it’s going to be a crazy fight.”
He’s not bitter. He’s realistic.
Key Takeaway: Elkins knows the business. You don’t stay 14 years by accident. You show up, you entertain, you evolve — or you’re gone.
Summary: A Warrior’s Farewell
- Darren Elkins, 42, fights one last time at UFC Vegas 120 vs. Yadier del Valle
- 30 UFC fights, 19 wins — a true ironman of the sport
- Retiring because body hurts more, training takes longer, family comes first
- Wanted to lay gloves down in the cage — rare and respected
- Nearly quit in 2014, switched gyms, went on 6-fight win streak
- Lost to future champ Volkanovski — no shame
- Staying active: Wrestling for RAF | Bare-knuckle boxing (wife’s orders)
- Faces a 17-year-younger opponent — but says “I knew the game”
Final Thought: Whether he wins or loses Saturday, Darren Elkins already won the only fight that matters — he walked away on his own terms.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
Why is this called a “retirement bout”?
Because Elkins announced before the fight that win, lose, or draw — he’s done. He’s laying his gloves in the center of the octagon after.
How old was Yadier del Valle when Elkins debuted?
10 years old. Elkins turned pro in 2008. Del Valle was born in 1999. Let that sink in.
What’s RAF wrestling?
Real American Freestyle — a wrestling league with modified rules (no pins, points for action). Think: folkstyle meets freestyle, made for TV. No striking. Just grappling.
Why no bare-knuckle boxing?
Elkins bleeds a lot in MMA (with gloves). Bare-knuckle = way more cuts, way more damage. His wife said “Nope.” He listened.
What’s his legacy?
Durability. Evolution. Entertainment. He never quit, never stopped improving, and always put on a show. Fighters 20 years younger cite him as inspiration.
“A warrior who never gave up on himself.”
— That’s how the UFC described him.
And after Saturday night, he’ll still be that guy — just without the gloves.
