Yadier del Valle spoiled Darren Elkins’ retirement at UFC Vegas 120 on Saturday after connecting with a brutal left hand that ended their fight just 35 seconds into the opening round.
After fending off a kick but coming up short on a takedown, Elkins was already dealing with immense pressure from del Valle. The end came just seconds later when del Valle uncorked a hellacious left hand that sent Elkins crashing to the canvas in a heap.
A few more strikes were landed on the ground but the referee quickly rushed in to rescue Elkins from further harm with del Valle getting the first-round finish.
“Please for everyone a round of applause for Darren Elkins,” del Valle said after his win. “This was one of the hardest camps I’ve had. This is the first thing. So I was ready for this.”
While certainly not the ending he wanted, Elkins already vowed that Saturday night would be the final fight of his career — win, lose or draw.
Throughout his career, Elkins displayed heart and durability like few ever have in the sport and his willingness to step through the fire in every single fight absolutely defined his career.
“Gratitude,” Elkins said about how he was feeling after laying his gloves down in the octagon. “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. I always left in the cage. Sometimes it didn’t go my way but keep going.”
Elkins retires with a 29-13 record including a record for the most bouts in UFC featherweight history with 29 including four post-fight bonuses and the second most wins in the history of the 145-pound division with 18.
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