Former UFC middleweight contender, Darren Stewart, recently announced his retirement from MMA after a decade in the sport. In a heartfelt Instagram post, known as “The Dentist,” Stewart explained that despite feeling capable at 33, the financial instability within the sport prompted his decision. The burden on his family and the aftermath of being cut from the UFC in 2021 were significant factors in his retirement.
Stewart’s love for fighting remains, but the financial strain pushed him towards retirement. He thanked his fans and revealed plans to continue sharing his expertise through personal sessions and seminars. During his UFC tenure from 2016 to 2021, Stewart accumulated a record of 5-7-2. Post-UFC release, he achieved four victories at Cage Warriors but suffered a knockout defeat subsequently.
The inadequate pay for MMA fighters has long been a topic of discussion, with Stewart’s retirement drawing attention to the financial hardships endured by many within the sport. The mention of an anti-trust lawsuit against the UFC underscores the continuous battle for fair remuneration for fighters.
