Former UFC fighter and European MMA veteran Darren Stewart has decided to stop competing in the sport permanently.
33-year-old Stewart announced the end of his career on Tuesday via social media, concluding a journey he started more than a decade ago in the U.K. The experienced middleweight talent mentioned financial struggles as a reason for his departure from the sport.
“It hurts me to write this, but I think it’s time to call it a day,” Stewart said via Instagram. “Not by choice, but I’m forced too because I’ve lost a lot to this game trying to survive, and I can’t do it no more. When UFC let me go I should have invested something, but instead I put all my eggs in one basket AGAIN to get back to the top and life has gotten even worse.”
Stewart made his pro debut in 2014, switching over to a pro career after quickly attaining five victories on the amateur scene. An undefeated record of seven wins on regional cards caught the attention of the UFC by 2016, allowing him to ink a deal with the top fight promoter.
Stewart had a 14-fight run in the promotion, including a stretch that saw him win four out of five fights. He was cut from the roster in 2021, parting ways with the brand after suffering three consecutive losses.
“The Dentist” made his way back onto the regionals in 2022, fighting under the prolific European regional brand Cage Warriors in hopes of revitalizing his career. A four-fight streak of wins was brought to a sudden halt in March when Brazilian vet Carlos Pereria scored a second-round stoppage against him.
“I’ve got family, and it’s not fair on them stressing just to keep food on the table. I love fighting, and I don’t want to call it as I’m only 33, but I’m not getting any help financially. Spoke about it a few times, so not going to go into it. Maybe I’ll get into boxing if it ever arises, but MMA? …..yeah I’m done. Brings tears writing this seriously, but it is what it is.”
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