‘What a ride’: Meet the UFC’s longest‑serving Brit

Davey Grant, 40, is the longest‑serving British fighter in the UFC, according to the promotion's records. He will meet American bantamweight Elijah Smith in Las Vegas on Saturday, nearly 13 years after his first UFC bout in November 2013. Grant has contested 16 fights in the organisation, winning nine, while no other Briton has remained under contract for a longer period, even though Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards have accumulated more appearances. Injuries have limited his total contests compared with Bisping’s 29 and Edwards’ 19 fights.

Smith, who is 24 and therefore 16 years younger than Grant, entered the UFC last year and has secured victories in all three of his outings. His father Gilbert fought in the promotion only seven months before Grant made his debut. Grant, originally from Darlington but now based in Las Vegas with his wife and children, says he is undaunted by the age gap and feels his abilities have grown with experience. He stresses that his family is his primary motivation and that success in the cage supports his role as a father and husband.

Grant said, “What a ride – it's been the best portion of my life,” and added, “I'm so grateful to still be doing this. I thank my lucky stars, I've lived the life I've wanted to live and I'm so thankful to still be here and doing what I love.” He also remarked, “Doing well in fighting helps me do those. As well as that I just love it so much, I don't want it to stop,” and later noted, “The harder I train, the better I do in fights, the healthier I keep myself, I'll get to keep doing what I love.” While not confirming the upcoming bout as his final appearance, Grant said, “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,” and concluded, “No matter what happens I'm living the live I could only ever have dreamed of.”