Looks like the Team Alpha Male (TAM) doors aren't closed to everyone.
Longtime veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight division Darren Elkins picked up a resounding victory in Dublin, Ireland yesterday (Sat. Oct. 24, 2015) over heavy-handed prospect Robert Whiteford inside 3Arena at the UFC Fight Night 76 mixed martial arts (MMA) event.
For the duration of the three-round bout, "The Damage" effectively silenced any and all offense from his Scottish competitor by employing a wrestling-heavy approach that fans have come to know him for.
However, it was his improved striking that Elkins credits to his success for getting inside and obtaining the clinch, which he owes to the fellas over at the Sac-Town gym (via MMAJunkie).
"The biggest thing I worked on really was footwork and angles. They kind of showed me some tricks I really used in the fight -- closing the distance [and] really just competing with the top level guys. It brings you up to another level of conditioning and athleticism. I think I'd like to do it again. I'm not sure about training camps and stuff like that. I've got a good relationship with those guys. If I can, I'd like to go out there and spend time with them once in a while. I think that's something I'm going to have to do to get me to the next level."
The 31-year-old has never been known for his stand-up game, but if his hands keep evolving alongside his wrestling pedigree, there's no telling where he could go in the 145-pound division.
For the last two years, Elkins has tangled with the best the featherweight class has to offer, like TAM representative and former title challenger Chad Mendes, alternating wins and losses between 2013-14.
As it stands, Elkins is the No. 14-ranked featherweight on UFC's roster and although he remained mum on who he'd like to do the tango with next, he maintains his desire for an opponent in the Top 15.
Do any names stand out to you?