Darren Stewart Hangs Up His MMA Gloves
Professional fighter Darren Stewart has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, bringing an end to a decade-long career in the sport. The former UFC and Cage Warriors veteran shared the difficult news via Instagram, citing significant financial struggles as the primary driver behind his decision. While his MMA journey has concluded, Stewart hasn’t completely closed the door on combat sports, leaving open the possibility of transitioning to boxing.
The Difficult Decision to Step Away
Darren Stewart, at 33 years old, has officially retired from professional mixed martial arts competition. The announcement, made on his Instagram account, comes as a somber moment for fans who have followed his career. Stewart expressed that this decision was not one he made willingly but was compelled by circumstances. He revealed that his pursuit of a successful MMA career has led to considerable financial losses, making it unsustainable to continue. The fighter detailed how, after his release from the UFC, he reinvested what little he had back into trying to climb the ranks, only to find his situation worsening. This financial strain, he explained, is unfair to his family, who are now facing stress just to cover basic necessities.
Financial Pressures Force a Career Change
The core reason behind Darren Stewart’s retirement is the immense financial pressure he’s been experiencing. He articulated that despite his deep love for fighting and his relatively young age of 33, the lack of financial support has made it impossible to continue. Stewart has spoken about these challenges previously, highlighting the difficult reality of trying to make a living in professional combat sports. He emphasized that he doesn’t want to give up fighting, but the current economic realities are forcing his hand. While the door to professional MMA competition is now closed, Stewart mentioned that he might explore opportunities in boxing if they arise, indicating a desire to stay involved in combat sports in some capacity.
A Legacy Beyond the Cage
Darren Stewart’s MMA career spanned ten years, beginning with his professional debut in the summer of 2014. He competed in numerous high-profile bouts, including 11 fights under the Cage Warriors banner and 14 appearances in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). During his time in the UFC, Stewart amassed a record of 5 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws. He also achieved significant recognition, earning three $50,000 Fight of the Night bonuses. These awards were for his performances against Maki Pitolo and Eric Spicely, as well as a thrilling bout with Julian Marquez, showcasing his ability to deliver exciting matchups. Despite retiring from active competition, Stewart plans to continue sharing his expertise by offering one-on-one coaching and workshops, and he will still engage in jiu-jitsu, believing he can still impart valuable knowledge to the next generation. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and hopes his career has provided lessons for aspiring fighters.
