Darren Elkins reveals why he's walking away after UFC Vegas 120

Darren Elkins, the 42-year-old UFC veteran, is preparing for what will be his final fight before retirement. Scheduled to face Yadier Dell Valle at UFC Vegas 120 on August 8 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Elkins has decided it is time to hang up his gloves after more than 15 years competing in the Octagon.

Elkins cited the cumulative physical toll of professional fighting as the primary reason for his decision. "I'm older in age now," he explained at media day. "But mostly, I'm starting to get hurt now a little bit more often. Training all the time is taking a toll on my body more than it used to. It's time; I've been contemplating it for a while." Rather than announce his retirement via social media, Elkins expressed his desire to leave his gloves in the Octagon—a symbolic gesture that few fighters get to experience.

With a 19-11 record in the UFC, Elkins earned widespread respect throughout his career for his violent, exciting featherweight bouts and his no-nonsense approach to the sport. Known as "The Damage," he rarely engaged in trash talk, preferring to let his performances speak for themselves. "I never had to talk crap about my opponents. I did it my way. I did everything my way," Elkins reflected. His professional demeanor and willingness to compete earned him respect from opponents despite not always achieving the results he desired.