Is Darren Till returning to Dana White & Co? The former UFC star now focuses fully on his boxing career as he searches for a new home. Back in November 2024, ‘The Gorilla’ surprised the MMA world when he stepped away from the UFC to pursue boxing. He then signed with Misfits Boxing and began his run in the ring. Since then, he has fought three times under the promotion and holds an unbeaten 3-0 record. Now, the former MFB champ announces his next move, chances of him joining White’s Zuffa Boxing are higher than ever.

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On Monday, the Brit took to Instagram and confirmed that he had “parted ways with the misfits.” At the same time, he made it clear that the split happened on “extremely good terms.” He also emphasized his relationship with the promotion, saying he has nothing but “love” for Misfits and its officials for the opportunities they gave him. Still, he hinted at something bigger ahead.

“Not a lot of people wanted to fight me.,” Darren Till said, “It was getting really hard to secure fights. So, in the next few days, I will have a massive announcement, some big news. I’m sure you are all going to be excited to see what I announce.

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And yeah, I just want to say again, thanks to Misfits. Thanks to everyone involved. I will probably be back there soon as well. This is not the end with Misfits. Peace and love.”

While Darren Till did not mention Zuffa Boxing, the chances of him joining the promotion still look quite strong. Right now, Dana White & Co. continue to push to build Zuffa Boxing into a major platform. However, the promotion still lacks big, recognizable names. Even after it completed its fifth installment this week, it has yet to draw the same level of attention as the UFC.

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That said, the long-term outlook still looks promising. The structure already mirrors the UFC model, but the roster still needs a standout name. This is where the Englishman fits in perfectly. As a former UFC star who has successfully transitioned into boxing, he brings both credibility and visibility.

Interestingly, Dana White has already made it clear that he does not want active UFC fighters competing in his boxing league. Even so, Darren Till presents a different case. He has already impressed White with his performances, including his knockout win over Anthony Taylor, which White himself described as a “big deal.”

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Because of that, the possibility of Zuffa Boxing signing Till looks even more realistic. At the moment, the promotion is working to strengthen its roster with names like Conor Benn, Jai Opetaia, and Callum Walsh. While these are rising talents, Zuffa Boxing still needs a more established figure to attract wider attention.

At the same time, the promotion has started building momentum through major partnerships. In fact, it is making a big move by working with Saudi backers for high-profile fights like Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov, which is expected to take place in London.

When ‘The Gorilla’ parted ways with the UFC, he also made it clear that his relationship with Dana White & Co. remained positive. In fact, he even described things as “cool as f***.” On top of that, he hinted last year that a return to the UFC could still be possible.

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Darren Till speaks directly on UFC comeback

At 33, Darren Till entered the UFC in 2015 with strong momentum and clear promise. He quickly built his name, going 5-1 in his first six fights and establishing himself as a key figure in the welterweight division. However, his run did not continue the same way. Injuries, including a serious shoulder issue, slowed him down and affected his performance.

After that early success, ‘The Gorilla’ managed just one win in his next six fights, going 1-5. That difficult stretch pushed him to request a release from the promotion so he could explore new opportunities and rebuild his career. Even so, the door to the UFC remains open. In fact, Till hinted at a possible return last year.

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“I relish the thought of coming back to the UFC,” Darren Till told talkSPORT.com, speaking on his combat sports future. We’ll see, obviously. For now, it’s team Misfits, but there’s always a path. There’s always a way back. There’s always- when there’s a will there’s a way.

“Definitely. I always said to them, ‘Look, if it ever comes back around, I’ll always join you if you have me.’ As I said, they like me. So who knows, in a few years, if that vibe’s happening again, we’ll see. It’s all baby steps, isn’t it?”

Right now, the situation is working in Darren Till’s favor. He has already built strong momentum in boxing and claimed the Misfits title after defeating former UFC champion Luke Rockhold for the bridgerweight belt.

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So, what comes next for ‘The Gorilla’? A move to Zuffa Boxing looks like a real possibility. At the same time, Most Valuable Promotions, led by Jake Paul, also offers a lucrative path forward. So, what’s your take on Till’s next step?

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Ishan Yadav

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Ishan Yadav is a Senior UFC Writer at EssentiallySports and a key member of the Breaking News team known for his sharp post-fight coverage and insightful analysis. With a strong editorial instinct and high fight IQ, he skillfully balances the fans' perspective with technical breakdowns to deliver engaging content that resonates throughout the MMA community. His thoughtful takes have gained recognition on platforms like Reddit and from industry insiders, which helped him earn a place in EssentiallySports’ prestigious Journalistic Excellence Program (JEP), our flagship initiative that focuses on refining journalistic skills, enhancing analytical thinking, and deepening sports journalism knowledge through mentorship from seasoned industry veterans. Ishan’s background as a law graduate adds depth to his reporting. He also practiced law after enrolling in the Bar Council. Currently, Ishan is pursuing a Master of Laws in Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law, and continues to follow his passion for the sport of combat.

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