MMA fighter cut by UFC quits sport over financial struggle: "I've lost a lot to this game"
Darren Stewart, an English fighter who once competed in the UFC's middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, has called it a career. Taking to Instagram with a lengthy post, 'The Dentist' explained his decision to abruptly retire from MMA.
According to Stewart, who is relatively young at 33 years, his financial woes are the main reason behind his retirement, despite his love of fighting. Moreover, he feels it is unfair to his family, who suffer the most. So, instead of continuing to commit himself to a dead-end career, he is looking elsewhere.
Stewart wrote:
"Yes everyone. It hurts me to write this but I think it's time call it a day. Not by choice but I'm forced to 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 in 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 subsequently pointed out that the financial stress of his desire to work his way back into the UFC was felt the most by his family, who depend on him for support.
"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 arises but MMA? .....yeah I'm done."
The post goes on to include more information about his path going forward, including a promise to keep teaching seminars and perhaps compete in Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions. But for now, MMA is no longer in his future.
Darren Stewart's UFC run was unremarkable
Despite his best efforts, Darren Stewart's UFC tenure did not live up to the hype, with the Englishman drawing more attention for his strong physical resemblance to welterweight great Tyron Woodley. Initially, he entered the promotion with an undefeated record of 7-0, which was blemished on his UFC debut.
Check out Kevin Holland's win over Darren Stewart:
He didn't lose but had a no-contest after a headbutt rendered his opponent unable to continue. Thereafter, he lost his next three bouts and never found much success going forward, failing against every high-level foe he encountered, including Edmen Shahbazyan and Kevin Holland, going 5-8 (2) in 15 fights in the promotion.