Darren Stewart, a former UFC and Cage Warriors veteran, recently announced his retirement from the sport of MMA. In a heartfelt post on his Instagram account, Stewart, 33, revealed that financial difficulties were the main factor behind his decision to walk away from the sport. While he is closing the chapter on his career in professional combat sports, Stewart is open to exploring opportunities in the world of boxing.
A Painful Farewell
In his announcement, Stewart expressed his sadness at having to make this decision. He shared that he felt compelled to retire because he had sacrificed so much for the sport without seeing the financial rewards he had hoped for. Stewart candidly admitted that he could no longer continue to struggle to make ends meet, especially with a family to support. Despite his love for fighting, Stewart acknowledged that his current circumstances made it impossible to continue in MMA.
While Stewart is saying goodbye to MMA, he is not completely walking away from the sport. He mentioned the possibility of pursuing a career in boxing if the opportunity presents itself. Additionally, Stewart intends to continue sharing his knowledge and skills through teaching one-on-one sessions and seminars. He also plans to stay involved in Jiu Jitsu, as he believes in the importance of passing on what he has learned throughout his career.
During his 10-year MMA career, Darren Stewart made a name for himself with 11 fights in Cage Warriors and 14 appearances in the UFC. Although his UFC record stands at 5-7 with two no contests, Stewart’s talent was recognized with three $50,000 fight night bonuses. He received Performance of the Night bonuses for his victories over Maki Pitolo and Eric Spicely, as well as a Fight of the Night award for his bout against Julian Marquez.
Darren Stewart’s retirement marks the end of a chapter in his athletic journey. While financial challenges have led him to step away from MMA, Stewart remains hopeful about what the future may hold. His dedication to sharing his expertise and continuing to be involved in combat sports demonstrates his passion for the sport and a desire to leave a positive impact on the next generation of fighters.