Ex-UFC fighter Darren Stewart retires from MMA, cites financial struggles: 'I've lost a lot to this game'

Darren Stewart’s MMA journey has come to an end.

The former UFC and Cage Warriors veteran announced his retirement from the sport Tuesday in a post on his Instagram account. Stewart, 33, cited financial issues as the main reason why he’s walking away from the sport. Although likely done competing professionally in combat sports, Stewart (16-10) is leaving the door open for boxing.

Below is Stewart’s announcement:

“Yes everyone

It hurts me to write this, but I think it’s time to call it a day. 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. 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. I’ll still teach 1-2-1 or seminars and still do Jiu Jitsu here and there because I feel I can still pass knowledge on. But other than that, I need to go find the second job. Thanks for always supporting me those who have. Means a lot. I hope the next generation has learned a lot from me and my career.

That’s it from me,

THE DENTIST”

Stewart made his professional debut in the summer of 2014 and fought as recently as March. His 10-year MMA career included 11 fights under the Cage Warriors banner and 14 UFC appearances, where he went 5-7 with two no contests. He also won three $50,000 fight night bonuses – Performance of the Night bonuses for his finishes over Maki Pitolo and Eric Spicely, and a Fight of the Night award against Julian Marquez.