Darren Till is considering a return to mixed martial arts (MMA), potentially altering his previous plan to rejoin the UFC.
The British fighter departed the UFC in 2023 to focus on boxing, where his career has seen limited activity with only two bouts so far. He is scheduled to headline Misfits Boxing 21 on Friday, May 16, facing fellow former UFC fighter Darren Stewart in a rescheduled fight, following his win against Anthony Taylor.
Till had consistently stated his intention to only return to MMA within the sport`s premier organization, the UFC. However, in a recent interview, he indicated that he is now looking at other promotions for his comeback.
Darren Till performs PFL U-Turn as he opens up about potential MMA comeback
Since his departure from the UFC following a loss to future champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 282, Darren Till has emphasized his positive relationship with the promotion. He had previously declined other MMA offers, preferring to concentrate on boxing.
Nevertheless, Till is now open to potentially joining the PFL, a significant competitor to the UFC. He stated, “I`m not too old in the sport, my body`s not broken… I`m fresh.” He expressed confidence in his cognitive health, despite his public persona, adding, “I don`t feel like I have any case of that CTE… I`ve got a solid brain.”
Till elaborated on his discussions with the PFL: “I speak to them quite a bit… I’ve spoke to the PFL and I like the way they do their organization. I would actually love a bash at it.” He acknowledged the uncertainty of a future UFC return if he competes elsewhere: “It just depends then if the UFC would have me back after that, I don’t know.” He believes he still has “a few years left” in his fighting career.
Darren Till takes on Darren Stewart in battle of UFC veterans at Misfits Boxing 21
Before considering an MMA comeback, Till`s immediate focus is his second Misfits Boxing match against Darren Stewart. Both British fighters are former UFC competitors, although Till had a more prominent career there.
Their rescheduled match is set for Derby. Regarding the fight, Till commented that Stewart “did well in the UFC, he was always tough and was quite game,” but noted their different paths in the promotion. He added that now “we`re both having a go at the boxing and we`re going to have a tear up in Derby,” stating it “was always going to be the main event.”
