The UFC’s longest-serving Briton Davey Grant says his time in the promotion has been “the best portion of my life”.
The 40-year-old is set to fight American bantamweight Elijah Smith in Las Vegas on Saturday, almost 13 years after debuting in the UFC.
Although fighters such as Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards have fought more times in the UFC, no Briton has ever been in the promotion for longer.
Grant made his UFC debut in November 2013 and has fought 16 times in the promotion, winning nine.
“What a ride – it’s been the best portion of my life,” said Grant.
“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.”
Smith’s father Gilbert fought in the UFC only seven months before Grant debuted in the promotion.
Aged 24, Smith is 16 years younger than Grant and has won all three of his UFC fights after debuting in the organisation last year.
Grant is undeterred by his younger opponent and says his skills have improved with age.
Grant, who’s from Darlington but has moved to Las Vegas with his wife and children, beams as he reveals the motivation behind his enduring career.
“Everything I do is for the family. I’m a father first, then I’m a husband, then I’m a fighter,” said Grant.
“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.
“The harder I train, the better I do in fights, the healthier I keep myself, I’ll get to keep doing what I love.”
Grant has suffered multiple injuries during his UFC tenure which means his 16 fights in the promotion is fewer than Bisping’s 29 and Edwards’ 19.
He has given no indication his fight against Smith will be his last, but says he is looking forward to retirement.
“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,” said Grant.
“No matter what happens I’m living the live I could only ever have dreamed of.”
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