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Darren Elkins said goodbye to pro MMA competition during UFC Vegas 120, and he is relieved.

The retirement fight this past Saturday inside the Meta Apex didn't last long. Yadier del Valle struck early and his aggression paid off with a first-round TKO in 35 seconds. During the post-fight press conference, “The Damage†admitted that he feels he held onto his prizefighting run longer than it needed to go (h/t MMAMania.com).

“I'm feeling a little bit of relief,†Elkins said. “I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life. This is a young man's game. I knew that. I stuck around for probably a little bit longer than I should've, but I loved it so much. I was like, ‘We'll do a little bit more.' So do I regret it? No. Should I probably [have] retired? Probably a little bit sooner. Maybe after [the] Daniel Pineda one would've been kinda cool, but it I got greedy.â€

Elkins also shared his gratitude for the opportunities he received under the UFC banner, and he took pride in never rocking the boat with the higherups.

“Those guys, I've always got along with everybody at the UFC. I'm a guy, they know I'm gonna show up. I'm gonna clock in. I'm gonna give everything I have. I'm gonna make weight. I'm gonna be on time. I'm not gonna complain. I never complained.â€

Elkins suffered back-to-back first-round losses to end his 42-fight career. Throughout his run, Elkins faced some notable names, such as reigning UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski, Chad Mendes, and Jeremy Stephens.

Perhaps the most memorable moment in Elkins' career occurred at UFC 209 back in 2017. “The Damage†scored a stunning come-from-behind victory over Mirsad Bektić, who was undefeated going into the bout. Elkins' memorable effort earned him a “Performance of the Night†bonus.

Share your thoughts on Darren Elkins' retirement below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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Ian Machado Garry believes he will show the world that his striking is worlds above Islam Makhachev's.

Garry is the planned challenger for Makhachev's welterweight title, and the two are scheduled to clash with the gold at stake in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15. The Irishman will be the underdog entering the biggest bout of his career with the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA today.

That doesn't mean “The Future's†confidence has wavered in any way. During the countdown show for UFC 330, Garry was adamant that his striking will be a nightmare for the 170-pound champion, and he's itching to get a definitive knockout.

“Islam's never fought anybody as long and tall as I am,†Garry said. “Let alone somebody who moves the way I move. He doesn't have a chance against me on the feet, and I need to see him unconscious. There's no excuses when I beat him.â€

Makhachev had something to say about Garry's bravado, and he's sure that the contender will leave Philadelphia empty-handed.

“Everybody say before the fight, ‘I'm gonna knock him out. I'm gonna finish Islam. I'm gonna stop his wrestling,' but it's not working,†Makhachev responded. “I'm gonna do whatever I want and finish him. I'm the best fighter in the world, and I'm gonna show it in Philadelphia.â€

Garry has been pushing the idea that he will put Makhachev to sleep, which would be just the second time in the champion's career. If “The Future†is to make good on his word, he'll need to score his first finish since 2023. Garry's last six fights have gone the distance, but he feels he's facing the surefire future Hall of Famer at the perfect time.

The aforementioned lone defeat in Makhachev's career occurred all the way back in 2015, and he's been as close to flawless as one could ask since that time. Having won gold in two weight classes, Makhachev wants to continue adding to his legacy with a successful welterweight title defense on his resume.

Does Ian Machado Garry have a big advantage on the feet, or will Islam Makhachev have his number there? Drop a comment below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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Reinier de Ridder doesn't believe Jiri Prochazka's outdoor ventures and mindset are genuine.

Prochazka has been known to approach things in an unorthodox way. The former UFC light heavyweight titleholder isn't afraid to seek danger. He once swam 30 meters under a frozen lake among his other stunts. Prochazka has also lived by the Bushido code, and some believe the 205-pound ruler is a bit over the top when discussing his mindset for prizefighting.

You can count de Ridder as a detractor. Speaking to Mike Owens for Full Mount MMA, de Ridder was asked whether he sees Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev, or another light heavyweight being the best in their weight class. It didn't take long for the former two-division ONE Championship titleholder to dismiss Prochazka.

“Nah, it's definitely not Jiri,†de Ridder said. “It's Ankalaev for the most skilled. I think in a fight, Ankalaev vs. [Carlos Ulberg], I think Ankalaev is gonna win.â€

Owens pressed de Ridder for more on why he doesn't view Prochazka as the top 205-pounder today, and that's when the Dutch submission specialist revealed he isn't a fan of what he believes is phoniness

“Jiri rubs me the wrong way with the ninja [expletive],†de Ridder said. “It's too much, dude. It feels so fake. Nah, that's not my guy.â€

There might be a scenario where de Ridder and Prochazka collide inside the Octagon. On Aug. 22, de Ridder will be moving back up to the light heavyweight division on the UFC Sacramento main card. He'll be facing Roman Dolidze, and both men are looking to snap two-fight skids.

Prochazka was last seen back in April, and many believe he blew his chance to become a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. His opponent, Ulberg, hurt his ACL early in the fight, but Prochazka took his foot off the gas and was knocked out in the opening frame.

Do you agree with Reinier de Ridder's opinion on Jiri Prochazka, or do you have a different take? Let us know in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM