A former UFC title challenger has broken his silence on his prolonged absence from the octagon, addressing rumors about his relationship with UFC CEO Dana White while hinting at a potential return. The fighter, once a marquee name in the promotion, last stepped into the cage in 2022, suffering a defeat that left his future uncertain. Now, after nearly two years away, he’s reignited hopes of a comeback—and surprisingly, he’s publicly addressing his dynamic with White. But is the UFC boss the reason behind his hiatus? Let’s dive into the drama.
Darren Till opens up on his relationship with Dana White and UFC return
British MMA star Darren Till, known for his explosive striking and larger-than-life persona, has finally shed light on his UFC status—and it’s not what fans expected. While preparing for his upcoming boxing match under the Misfits banner on March 29, Till revealed that his bond with White remains strong despite his extended break.
“We’ll see if I wanna go back. Me and Dana White are good—really good,” Till told Seconds Out. “Maybe one day [I’ll go back]. I’ll see how much money I make with Misfits first… I think they’d welcome me back with open arms, and I think I’d cause a stir as well.”
The Liverpool native, who last fought in the UFC against Dricus du Plessis in 2022, has since pivoted to boxing, dominating opponents like Anthony Taylor in the Misfits ring. But his heart hasn’t entirely left MMA. Till’s candid comments suggest his hiatus stems not from friction with White but from a strategic pivot to explore lucrative opportunities outside the octagon.
Why the delay? Till’s dual ambitions explained
Till’s hiatus appears less about UFC politics and more about ambition. The 32-year-old is betting big on his Misfits boxing career, eyeing high-profile clashes with stars like Tommy Fury and KSI. “After two years doing this Misfits, I’m going to be a massive star,” he declared. His plan? Build his brand and financial portfolio in boxing before potentially storming back to the UFC.
While some speculated Dana White sidelined him due to inconsistent performances, Till’s revelation paints a different picture. The UFC boss hasn’t shut the door on him—instead, Till is choosing to chase crossover appeal and bigger paydays. Still, his love for MMA lingers. “I think I’d cause a stir,” he said about a potential UFC return, hinting he could still shake up the middleweight division.
What’s Next for “The Gorilla”?
Till’s immediate focus is his grudge match against Darren Stewart at Misfits 21, where he vows to “smash” his way through opponents. But UFC fans are left wondering: Will his boxing success translate to a renewed MMA contract? Till’s relationship with White seems intact, and his star power hasn’t dimmed. If his Misfits gamble pays off, don’t be surprised to see him back in the octagon—cash in hand and chaos in tow.
For now, Dana White isn’t the villain in this story. Till’s hiatus is a calculated career move, proving that sometimes, the biggest fights happen outside the cage.