
Darren Till, the former UFC title challenger known as “The Gorilla,” has made a decisive move into bare-knuckle fighting. After a career that saw him compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts, Till stepped into the BKFC ring for the first time on May 30, 2026, at BKFC 90 in Birmingham, England. The fight against Aaron Chalmers ended quickly: Till won by knockout in the second round, just 22 seconds into the round, according to official BKFC records and multiple reports.
The bout, held at the Utilita Arena, marked Till’s debut under a multi-fight deal with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, a promotion he signed with in April 2026 after parting ways with Misfits Boxing. For fans tracking his career, the result offers a clear answer to the most pressing question: what is Darren Till doing now, and what comes next?
This article consolidates verified information on Till’s next fight, his full combat-sports record, his biographical stats, and the timeline of his career transitions. All data is sourced from official promotion pages, established sports databases, and reputable media outlets.
When Is Darren Till’s Next Fight?
To be announced
BKFC
vs. Aaron Chalmers (BKFC 90) — Win by KO/TKO, R2, 0:22
18-5-1
- Darren Till is currently active in bare-knuckle boxing (BKFC) after a significant UFC career as a title challenger.
- His BKFC debut against Aaron Chalmers ended with a second-round knockout, confirming his punching power carries over from MMA and boxing.
- Aaron Chalmers entered the fight with a 2-0 BKFC record, having stopped Chas Symonds and Jack Fincham by knockout in 2025, making Till’s win notable.
- Till signed a multi-fight deal with BKFC in April 2026, after his stint with Misfits Boxing, signaling a longer-term commitment to bare-knuckle competition.
- His transition from UFC middleweight contender to boxing and then BKFC highlights a broader trend of combat sports athletes moving between disciplines post-UFC.
- Search volume for “Darren Till next fight” remains high, indicating strong fan interest in his upcoming schedule.
- No opponent or date has been officially announced for his second BKFC bout as of the latest available records.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darren Till |
| Nickname | The Gorilla |
| Birthdate | 24 December 1992 |
| Age | 33 |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Nationality | English |
| Team | Team Kaobon / Astra Fight Team |
| MMA Record | 18-5-1 (10 KOs, 2 Subs) |
| Boxing Record (pro) | 1-0 |
| BKFC Record | 1-0 (1 KO) |
| UFC Title Fight | vs. Tyron Woodley (2018) — Loss |
Is Darren Till Fighting in BKFC or Boxing?
Darren Till’s combat-sports path has taken several turns since his UFC release in 2023. After a period of exploring professional boxing, he signed with BKFC in April 2026 on a multi-fight deal, as reported by Sports Illustrated and DAZN. That deal led to his debut at BKFC 90.
Before joining BKFC, Till competed under the Misfits Boxing banner. He faced Luke Rockhold at Misfits Boxing 22, an event that drew attention as a crossover between MMA veterans. Till also holds a professional boxing win, with his record listing a 1-0 mark in traditional boxing, alongside victories over Anthony Taylor and Darren Stewart in Misfits-style events.
The BKFC official roster now lists Till as an active fighter, and his debut result is recorded as a win. His next steps remain unclear, but the multi-fight nature of his contract suggests he will continue competing in bare-knuckle bouts rather than returning to MMA or conventional boxing in the near term.
Till moved from the UFC (2015–2023) to Misfits Boxing (2024–2025) and then signed with BKFC in April 2026. His debut win over Aaron Chalmers at BKFC 90 marked his first fight under the new contract. No return to MMA has been announced.
Recent Fights: Misfits Boxing and BKFC
After his UFC tenure ended, Till kept active in crossover boxing events. His fight against Luke Rockhold at Misfits Boxing 22 was one of the most anticipated post-UFC matchups for both fighters. That bout, along with his subsequent BKFC signing, illustrates a deliberate move away from mixed martial arts and toward striking-only disciplines.
Till’s BKFC debut opponent, Aaron Chalmers, entered the ring with a perfect 2-0 record in bare-knuckle fighting, having knocked out Chas Symonds and Jack Fincham in 2025. Till stopped him in the second round, a result that video footage and official records confirm as a knockout at 22 seconds of round two.
What Is Darren Till’s Full MMA Record?
Darren Till’s official MMA record stands at 18 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, according to Wikipedia and ESPN. His career includes 10 knockout or TKO wins and 2 submission victories. The record reflects a decade of competition across multiple promotions, with the majority of his fights taking place in the UFC.
Official Sherdog and UFC Statistics
The Sherdog database, widely regarded as the industry standard for MMA records, lists the same 18-5-1 mark. Till fought primarily at welterweight (170 lb) and middleweight (185 lb) during his UFC run. His UFC tenure included bouts against some of the division’s most accomplished names.
Key Wins and Losses
Till’s most notable victory came against Donald Cerrone in 2017, a first-round TKO that propelled him into title contention. He followed that with a win over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, earning a shot at the UFC welterweight championship. The title fight against Tyron Woodley in 2018 ended in a submission loss, Till’s first professional defeat.
Later fights in the UFC included losses to Jorge Masvidal, Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Dricus du Plessis, along with a win over Kelvin Gastelum and a draw with Jack Hermansson. These results paint a picture of a fighter who competed at an elite level but struggled against the very top of the division.
How Old Is Darren Till and What Are His Physical Stats?
Darren Till was born on 24 December 1992, making him 33 years old. He stands 6 feet tall (1.83 m) and competes at 185 pounds (84 kg), which places him in the middleweight range for both MMA and BKFC. His reach, a key factor in his striking game, is a reported 75 inches (191 cm).
Age, Height, Weight, and Reach
Till’s physical dimensions have remained consistent throughout his career. He initially fought at welterweight in the UFC, cutting from around 200 pounds to make the 170-pound limit. After moving to middleweight in 2020, he has stayed at that weight class. His height and reach are typical for the division, and his Muay Thai base has always made his striking the primary weapon.
Age: 33 | Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | Weight: 185 lb (84 kg) | Reach: 75 in (191 cm) | Stance: Orthodox. These measurements have been verified by ESPN and Sherdog across multiple fight records.
Team and Training Background
Till trains with Team Kaobon in Liverpool, England, and also works with the Astra Fight Team. His Muay Thai striking, developed early in his career, remains his signature skill. The combination of power, timing, and range management has translated effectively into BKFC, as his debut knockout demonstrated.
While Till’s MMA record (18-5-1) and boxing record (1-0) are well documented, his BKFC record currently stands at 1-0 after the Chalmers win. Any future bouts in other promotions may update these totals. Fans should rely on official promotion sites for the most current data.
What Is the Timeline of Darren Till’s Career?
The following timeline traces Till’s career from his professional debut through his BKFC victory, based on verified fight records and event data.
- 2013: Professional MMA debut. Till begins his career in regional English promotions.
- 2015: Signs with the UFC after compiling an undefeated record.
- 2017: Defeats Donald Cerrone by TKO in the first round, entering title contention at welterweight.
- 2018: Fights Tyron Woodley for the UFC Welterweight Championship; loses by submission in the second round.
- 2019–2022: Faces a series of top-level opponents: Jorge Masvidal (loss), Robert Whittaker (loss), Derek Brunson (loss), Kelvin Gastelum (win), Jack Hermansson (draw), Dricus du Plessis (loss).
- 2023: Released from the UFC after the du Plessis fight. Begins exploring opportunities in boxing and bare-knuckle.
- 2024: Fights Luke Rockhold under the Misfits Boxing banner, a crossover event that draws significant attention.
- 2025: Competes in further Misfits Boxing events, including wins over Anthony Taylor and Darren Stewart.
- April 2026: Signs a multi-fight deal with BKFC, confirming his move to bare-knuckle boxing.
- 30 May 2026: Makes BKFC debut at BKFC 90 in Birmingham, England. Defeats Aaron Chalmers by KO/TKO in round 2 at 0:22.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Darren Till’s Future?
While many facts about Till’s career are well established, some details about his immediate future remain unconfirmed. The table below separates verified information from areas where uncertainty exists.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Darren Till was born on 24 December 1992 (age 33). | Exact date and opponent for his next BKFC fight have not been announced. |
| He holds an MMA record of 18 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw. | Whether he will return to MMA at any point is unconfirmed. |
| He fought Luke Rockhold at Misfits Boxing 22. | The full length of his BKFC contract has not been disclosed. |
| He signed a multi-fight deal with BKFC and debuted at BKFC 90 on May 30, 2026. | No details on potential title fights or rankings within BKFC are available. |
| He won his BKFC debut against Aaron Chalmers by KO/TKO in round 2. | Future fight weight class (middleweight or other) is not yet specified. |
What Does Darren Till’s Move to BKFC Mean for His Career?
Till’s shift from the UFC to BKFC places him within a growing group of former MMA standouts who have transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing. The move allows him to compete in a striking-only environment, which suits his Muay Thai background and knockout power. His debut performance — a second-round finish of a previously undefeated BKFC fighter — suggests the transition has been smooth.
His UFC career, while not culminating in a title win, established him as a top-tier welterweight and middleweight. The Cerrone victory, in particular, showcased the striking that made him a fan favorite. The Woodley fight exposed wrestling deficiencies, but Till’s subsequent performances showed continued development.
In bare-knuckle fighting, the absence of gloves changes the dynamics of striking, often favoring power punchers. Till’s early success in BKFC may open the door to high-profile matchups within the promotion. His multi-fight contract indicates that BKFC views him as a central figure in its roster.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Darren Till?
Verified statistics and career records for Darren Till are maintained by several authoritative sources. The following outlets provide regularly updated data:
- Wikipedia — General biography, verified MMA and BKFC record, career summary. Darren Till Wikipedia entry.
- ESPN — Official sports media stats, fight results, and biography. Darren Till ESPN profile.
- Sherdog — Industry-standard fight database with verified records. Darren Till Sherdog record.
- BKFC Official Roster — Promotion-specific fight history and upcoming bouts. BKFC fighter page.
- DAZN — News coverage and event-specific reporting. DAZN article on Till’s BKFC signing.
What Is the Latest on Darren Till’s Career?
Darren Till has successfully transitioned to bare-knuckle fighting, winning his BKFC debut by knockout in May 2026. With a multi-fight contract in place and a strong performance behind him, his immediate future lies in BKFC. Fans awaiting his next fight can follow official promotion channels for announcements. For a detailed preview of his debut, see Darren Till – Next Fight vs Aaron Chalmers at BKFC 90. For broader sports scheduling, the TNT Sports TV Guide – Tonight’s Schedule & Live Listings may also be useful for following live events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darren Till
What is Darren Till’s Instagram handle?
Darren Till’s official Instagram is @darrentill2.0.
How many knockouts does Darren Till have?
Darren Till has 10 KO/TKO wins in MMA, plus 1 knockout in BKFC.
Did Darren Till win a UFC title?
No, Darren Till fought for the UFC Welterweight title in 2018 but lost to Tyron Woodley by submission.
What team does Darren Till train with?
He trains with Team Kaobon and Astra Fight Team.
What time was the Darren Till fight at BKFC 90?
BKFC 90 took place on May 30, 2026, in Birmingham. Specific bout times vary by event schedule; official broadcast listings provide the exact timing.
Did Darren Till fight Luke Rockhold?
Yes, Till faced Luke Rockhold under Misfits Boxing at Misfits Boxing 22. The event was a crossover boxing match between the two former UFC fighters.
Who has Darren Till lost to in the UFC?
Till has lost to Tyron Woodley, Jorge Masvidal, Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Dricus du Plessis during his UFC tenure.
Is Darren Till still fighting?
Yes, Darren Till is actively competing under BKFC. He won his debut on May 30, 2026, and is expected to fight again under his multi-fight contract.
What is Darren Till’s boxing record?
Darren Till’s professional boxing record is 1-0, in addition to his wins in Misfits Boxing events over Anthony Taylor and Darren Stewart.
Where is Darren Till from?
Darren Till is from Liverpool, England. He is of English nationality and fights out of Team Kaobon in Liverpool.