Darren Elkins explains decision to retire after UFC Vegas 120, rules out going to BKFC: ‘I’d probably die’

Darren Elkins will compete in his final UFC bout Saturday at UFC Vegas 120, facing Yadier del Valle in what the veteran featherweight has declared his retirement fight. The 42-year-old announced the decision during media day, explaining that accumulated wear and tear on his body after 16 years of competition made it the right time to hang up his gloves.

Elkins has compiled a 19-11 record across 30 UFC appearances since 2010, establishing himself as a durable competitor who evolved his game throughout his career. He acknowledged considering retirement before, notably after a 2014 loss to Hacran Dias in Brazil, but a subsequent team change sparked a six-fight winning streak featuring wins over Dennis Bermudez and Michael Johnson. That streak ended when he faced future champion Alexander Volkanovski. "I've seen a lot of guys that stop evolving and that's when I usually get kicked out of the UFC," Elkins said, crediting his longevity to constant improvement.

Elkins expressed satisfaction with his tenure, calling it a privilege to witness and participate in MMA's evolution. He emphasized the importance of entertaining fans and maintaining competitive excellence. "There's been some downs, there's been some ups, but dang, I never thought I'd be doing this for a living for this long," he reflected.

Post-retirement, Elkins indicated interest in non-combat sports like wrestling for RAF, but firmly ruled out bare-knuckle boxing. When asked about BKFC, he joked that the intensity would be fatal: "I'd probably die. My MMA fights are bloody. Could you imagine me in that?" He noted his wife received a promise he wouldn't pursue that path.

Del Valle, a 10-1 prospect who was a child when Elkins turned professional, represents a significant generational gap. The young Cuban fighter has scored back-to-back first-round rear-naked choke submissions in his UFC debut and follow-up fight, though he suffered a recent decision loss to Jordan Leavitt. Elkins expects no preferential treatment in his finale, understanding the promotion's standard operating procedures.