The UFC’s longest-serving Briton Davey Grant says his time within the promotion has been “one of the best portion of my life”.
The 40-year-old is about to combat American bantamweight Elijah Smith in Las Vegas on Saturday, nearly 13 years after debuting within the UFC.
Though fighters comparable to Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards have fought extra instances within the UFC, no Briton has ever been within the promotion for longer.
Grant made his UFC debut in November 2013 and has fought 16 instances within the promotion, successful 9.
“What a experience – it has been one of the best portion of my life,” mentioned Grant.
“I am so grateful to nonetheless be doing this. I thank my fortunate stars, I’ve lived the life I’ve wished to stay and I am so grateful to nonetheless be right here and doing what I really like.”
Smith’s father Gilbert fought within the UFC solely seven months earlier than Grant debuted within the promotion.
Aged 24, Smith is 16 years youthful than Grant and has received all three of his UFC fights after debuting within the organisation final 12 months.
Grant is undeterred by his youthful opponent and says his abilities have improved with age.
Grant, who’s from Darlington however has moved to Las Vegas together with his spouse and youngsters, beams as he reveals the motivation behind his enduring profession.
“Every part I do is for the household. I am a father first, then I am a husband, then I am a fighter,” mentioned Grant.
“Doing properly in combating helps me do these. In addition to that I simply like it a lot, I do not need it to cease.
“The tougher I prepare, the higher I do in fights, the more healthy I preserve myself, I will get to maintain doing what I really like.”
Grant has suffered a number of accidents throughout his UFC tenure which suggests his 16 fights within the promotion is fewer than Bisping’s 29 and Edwards’ 19.
He has given no indication his combat towards Smith will likely be his final, however says he’s trying ahead to retirement.
“Simply because I do not need to retire it does not imply I am not trying ahead to it and I will not completely take pleasure in it,” mentioned Grant.
“It doesn’t matter what occurs I am dwelling the stay I might solely ever have dreamed of.”
