Darren Elkins’ final ever UFC bow ended on a sour note.
The UFC veteran, who has now had 31 outings with the promotion, was looking to end his career on a high.
Elkins, a popular cult hero, was looking to score victory against Cuban Yadier Del Valle, who had his own ambitions to respond to his recent loss to Jordan Leavitt.
He had already declared it would be his ‘Last Dance’, in the clash as part of the latest fight night on the UFC schedule.
But it all ended in disaster for the American who couldn’t get the fairytale ending he so craved.
Elkins stopped in 35 seconds
Del Valle came out firing from the very opening claxon and Elkins was very quickly on the back foot.
His takedown attempt did not come off, and quickly he found himself vulnerable to the striking power of his rival.
But it was a frightening left hand that was unleashed by the favourite, which turned the tide extremely quickly.
It crashed through the guard and flattened Elkins who was caught off guard by the crushing force of the blow.
Elkins was flat on his back, del Valle charged down to the canvas, but the referee quickly stepped in to avoid anything other than one further glancing blow.
It was a brutal and quickfire stoppage, but thankfully Elkins was okay after picking himself up from the canvas.
He laid his gloves down on the floor, the traditional sign that a fighters’ time in the octagon is done.
Elkins retires in the octagon
Del Valle was first to pay tribute to his opponent’s tenure during his interview.
He said: “Please for everyone a round of applause for Darren Elkins.
“This was one of the hardest camps I’ve had. This is the first thing. So I was ready for this.”
Elkins added: “Gratitude.
“I didn’t love how this ended but that’s life. I’m going to keep going. I can’t lose in life. I’m happy.
“This has been a journey. Almost 17 years. I never thought I’d still be doing it at 42 years old.
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“I always left in the cage. Sometimes it didn’t go my way but keep going.”
At 42, of course, now is the best time to call it a day and move on to avoid future health concerns.
Many wondered whether the experienced veteran would move over to the bare-knuckle ranks.
But he has already denied a switch to Conor McGregor’s BKFC.
