Darren Elkins announces retirement after final UFC fight at Vegas 120
Darren Elkins fought Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 120 in a bout billed as his retirement fight, ending his UFC career after more than a decade.
Darren Elkins fought Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 120 in a bout billed as his retirement fight. He was dropped and stopped by TKO early in the contest, ending his UFC career after more than a decade of competition.
Darren Elkins fought for the final time at UFC Vegas 120 on a Saturday, facing Yadier del Valle in a bout billed as his retirement fight. He was dropped early and stopped by TKO. Elkins, a 42-year-old American who entered the UFC in 2010, spent more than a decade on the featherweight roster. He announced his retirement before the fight, saying he wanted to retire inside the octagon after a career defined by endurance and bloody contests. The bout marked the end of a long UFC tenure and closed a chapter for a veteran who never missed weight. With the featherweight division shifting and younger talent rising, Elkins’ exit signals a transition as the promotion moves toward new headliners at the Meta Apex.
Elkins' UFC career and final fight
Darren Elkins, 42, stepped into the octagon for the last time at UFC Vegas 120 on Saturday, facing Yadier del Valle in a featherweight bout billed as his retirement fight. The event took place at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Elkins, who entered the UFC in 2010, spent more than two decades competing under the promotion’s banner. He built a reputation for enduring brutal contests and never missed weight during his UFC tenure. Ahead of the fight he told Cageside Press he had always wanted to lay his gloves down inside the octagon. In August 2026 he reflected that a person can only pursue fighting for a limited portion of their life. Elkins entered the bout with a 2‑1 record across his three most recent fights and said he would not have believed he would still be fighting 20 years on. The fight ended early when Elkins was dropped and stopped by TKO.
Darren Elkins began competing in the UFC, starting a long tenure on the promotion's featherweight roster.
In an interview reported by MSN, Elkins reflected that a person can only fight for a limited portion of their life and said he would not have believed he would still be fighting 20 years on.
Elkins, aged 42, announced that his scheduled featherweight bout against Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 120 would be his final fight before retiring.
Elkins told Cageside Press he had always wanted to lay his gloves down inside the octagon, explaining his decision to retire.
Commentators framed Elkins' bout with del Valle as his final appearance and questioned whether it would end violently.
Elkins fought for the final time at UFC Vegas 120 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, facing Yadier del Valle in a bout billed as his retirement fight.
Elkins was dropped and stopped by TKO early in his retirement fight against del Valle.
Retirement plans and final remarks
Ahead of UFC Vegas 120, Elkins said he had always wanted to lay his gloves down inside the octagon, explaining that a person can only pursue fighting for a limited portion of their life. He told Cageside Press he would not have believed he would still be fighting 20 years on, a comment reported by MSN in August 2026. The scheduled bout against Yadier del Valle was framed by commentators as his final appearance and was billed as his retirement fight. Elkins, 42 and competing in the UFC since 2010, described the victory as a fitting close to a long tenure with the promotion.
Fight outcome and aftermath
Elkins entered UFC Vegas 120 billed as his final appearance. He was dropped early and stopped by TKO, ending his UFC tenure. The featherweight clash capped a career that began in 2010 and spanned 12 years. Across his last three fights he posted a 2-1 record, though his full UFC ledger remains unprovided. Elkins had said he wanted to lay his gloves down inside the octagon and to retire after this bout. He also noted that a fighter can only pursue the sport for a limited portion of life and that he never imagined still competing at age 42. The stoppage drew positive fan reaction and confirmed he will not move to BKFC after retirement.
Industry context and future outlook
Elkins' retirement comes as part of a broader transition in the UFC's featherweight division. He is known by the nickname 'The Damage' and had never missed weight during his UFC career. While he indicated he would not pursue a move to BKFC after retirement, details of his post-fighting plans were not reported. The event formed part of a numbered UFC Fight Night series, with UFC Vegas 120 taking place at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Elkins, 42, fought for the final time in a bout billed as his retirement fight against Yadier del Valle. The matchup was part of a stacked card headlined by Gamrot versus Salkilld. His departure reflects the UFC's ongoing evolution in the division as it integrates younger talent and phases out established veterans.
Frequently asked questions
When did Darren Elkins fight his final UFC bout?
Darren Elkins fought his final UFC bout on a Saturday at UFC Vegas 120, facing Yadier del Valle in a retirement fight.
Who was Darren Elkins' opponent at UFC Vegas 120?
Darren Elkins faced Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 120, a bout billed as his final appearance.
Why did Darren Elkins retire after UFC Vegas 120?
Darren Elkins said he wanted to lay his gloves down inside the octagon and felt a person can only pursue fighting for a limited portion of their life, leading him to retire.
What was the outcome of Darren Elkins' retirement fight?
Darren Elkins was dropped and stopped by TKO early in his retirement fight against Yadier del Valle.
How long did Darren Elkins compete in the UFC?
Darren Elkins has competed in the UFC since 2010, building a long tenure in the featherweight division.
