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Darren Till worries retirement after fighters' arrests

Published 30 July 2026

In a candid interview, professional fighter Darren Till has expressed deep apprehension about his life after combat sports, citing recent legal troubles involving other retired fighters as a stark warning. The 33-year-old Liverpool native, who is preparing for a high-profile bare-knuckle boxing match against Yoel Romero on September 26, said he is actively planning his transition to avoid similar pitfalls.

Till made the comments during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, reflecting on the arrests of former UFC fighters Dustin Poirier and Anthony Smith. He stated these incidents prompted a frank self-assessment of his own habits and long-term future. "I do get a bit scared myself for what's to come," Till said, "so I need to start thinking now about what to put in place over the next three years so it doesn't end up like that."

Poirier was arrested on June 21 at an Atlanta airport on a misdemeanor public intoxication charge after an altercation with airline staff and police. Smith faces more serious felony allegations, including attempted first-degree domestic assault and terroristic threats, following his arrest in Nebraska on July 27. Smith has been released on bond and is...

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