Daniel Pineda Hangs Up the Gloves After Thrilling Battle with Darren Elkins at UFC Vegas 99

In a bittersweet moment for MMA fans, veteran featherweight Daniel Pineda announced his retirement following a hard-fought battle against Darren Elkins at UFC Vegas 99. The 39-year-old Pineda, known for his aggressive style and penchant for finishes, called it quits after a unanimous decision loss in what many considered the Fight of the Night.

Daniel Pineda retires from MMA

He ends his violent career with 47 fights and a 100% finish rate, which started in 2007 pic.twitter.com/oM9LKyLYwt

— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) October 19, 2024

Pineda’s career has been marked by his willingness to engage in all-out wars, earning him a reputation as a fan favorite. His final bout against Elkins was no exception, as the two seasoned fighters delivered a bloody and intense three-round affair that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

Throughout his 17-year professional career, Pineda amassed an impressive record of 28-17, with all 28 of his wins coming by way of stoppage. This statistic alone speaks volumes about his fighting philosophy and commitment to entertaining the fans.

The fight against Elkins was vintage Pineda, as he came out aggressive from the opening bell, looking for the finish. Despite his best efforts, including several submission attempts, Pineda found himself on the wrong end of the judges’ scorecards.

In typical Pineda fashion, the bout was a back-and-forth affair that showcased both fighters’ toughness and determination. Elkins, known for his own resilience, weathered Pineda’s early storm and used his wrestling to control portions of the fight.

Pineda’s retirement marks the end of an era for a fighter who embodied the spirit of martial arts. His willingness to engage in firefights and constant pursuit of finishes made him a favorite among hardcore fans and fellow fighters alike[1].

Pineda faced some of the division’s toughest competition throughout his UFC tenure, including bouts against Alex Caceres, Nathaniel Wood, and Cub Swanson. While he may not have always come out on top, Pineda’s fights were consistently among the most exciting on any card he appeared on.

While Pineda may not have gotten the storybook ending of retiring on a win, his final performance was emblematic of his entire career – full of heart, aggression, and excitement. As he hangs up his gloves, Pineda leaves behind a legacy as one of the sport’s true warriors, always willing to lay it all on the line for the fan.

The MMA community will undoubtedly miss Pineda’s presence in the octagon, but his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten. As one chapter closes, fans and fellow fighters alike will remember Daniel Pineda as a fighter who always brought the fight, regardless of the odds or opponent.