Elkins celebrates UFC victory. Photo: Getty Images/Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
The seemingly ageless Darren Elkins finally said goodbye to MMA, but in a way he wouldn't have liked. At 42 years old, the American stepped into the octagon for the last time at UFC Vegas 120 , an event held this Saturday (8) and lasted only 35 seconds. Big favorite of the night, Yadier del Valle had no mercy on the veteran and recovered in the best possible way in the company.
Known for his immense grit in action, Elkins fought 31 times in the UFC and experienced some great moments in the octagon. Between 2011 and 2013, 'The Damage' racked up five consecutive wins and six consecutive victories between 2015 and 2018. The athlete has been part of the world's largest MMA organization since 2010.
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Darren Elkins had his first MMA fight in 2007 and retired in 2026. In the sport, the American built a record of 29 wins and 13 losses. His main victories were over Dennis Bermudez , Diego Brandão , Duane Ludwig, Godofredo Pepey , Hatsu Hioki, Michael Johnson , Mirsad Bektic, and Pat Curran.
A sudden farewell
A wrestling specialist, Elkins sought a takedown early in the fight, but was unsuccessful in bringing Del Valle down. On his feet, the veteran was easy prey for the Cuban. The American was staggered by a powerful cross from his opponent and never got back up.
Del Valle knocked out Elkins at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
Watch Del Valle's knockout of Elkins at UFC Vegas 120.
LEFT HAND LANDS CLEAN FOR YADIER DEL VALLE FOR THE R1 TKO 😤
[ #UFCVegas120 | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/uD9udoGmpk
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 9, 2026
UFC Vegas 120 results
MAIN CARD (21pm Brasília time)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Quillan Salkilld defeated Mateusz Gamrot by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:24 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Carlos Diego Ferreira defeated Billy Quarantillo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Yadier del Valle defeated Darren Elkins by knockout (punches) at 0:34 of round 1.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Lexia Thainara defeated Amanda Lemos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Ty Miller defeated Billy Ray Goff by technical knockout (punches) at 0:15 of round 3.
PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Steven Asplund defeated Guilherme Pat by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Diyar Nurgozhay defeated Bruno Lopes by knockout (punches) at 4:59 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): José Montanha defeated Louie Sutherland by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:50 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Manoel Manumito defeated Richie Miranda by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Miles Johns defeated Gianni Vazquez by knockout (punches) at 3:9 of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Juliana Miller defeated Ravena Oliveira by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:38 of round 2.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Carol Foro defeated Gigi Canuto by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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