Davey Grant steps into the octagon in Las Vegas this Saturday to face American bantamweight Elijah Smith, marking nearly 13 years since his initial debut in the UFC. As the promotion’s longest-serving British fighter, the 40-year-old Darlington native continues a career that began in November 2013.
A Decade-Long Tenure in the Octagon
Grant has competed 16 times within the organization, securing nine victories. While other British fighters such as Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards have recorded higher fight totals, no other athlete from Britain has maintained a tenure in the promotion spanning as many years.
What a ride – it’s been the best portion of my life
Davey Grant, UFC fighter
Generational Clash in Las Vegas
The upcoming bout presents a sharp generational contrast. At 24 years old, Smith is 16 years Grant’s junior and has remained undefeated through his first three UFC appearances since debuting last year. The lineage is deep; Smith’s father, Gilbert, also competed in the UFC, appearing in the organization seven months prior to Grant’s own arrival.
Despite a history of injuries that have limited his total fight volume, Grant maintains that his technical abilities have continued to evolve. He has relocated to Las Vegas with his family, framing his professional longevity through his responsibilities at home.
Everything I do is for the family. I’m a father first, then I’m a husband, then I’m a fighter
Davey Grant, UFC fighter
Davey Grant Plans to Keep Competing After Las Vegas Bout
Grant has not indicated that this Saturday’s fight will be his final appearance. While he acknowledges that he occasionally looks toward retirement, he emphasizes that he remains motivated by the training process and the opportunity to keep competing.
Just because I don’t want to retire it doesn’t mean I’m not looking forward to it and I won’t absolutely enjoy it. No matter what happens I’m living the live I could only ever have dreamed of.
Davey Grant, UFC fighter
The bout is scheduled for the November 7 card in Las Vegas, which is headlined by Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Johnny Walker.
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