Daniel Pineda Retires After UFC Vegas 99 Loss
Daniel Pineda retired after a unanimous-decision loss to Darren Elkins on Oct. 19, 2024. He ended his 48-bout career with a 28-17 record and three no contests.
A Career Built on Finishes
Pineda turned professional in 2007 and built a reputation for ending fights. All 28 of his wins came by finish: 19 submissions and nine knockouts or technical knockouts. That finishing record made him one of the most submission-focused veterans of his era.
His Final Fight
On Oct. 19, 2024, Pineda faced Elkins at a Las Vegas venue. Elkins won a unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28. Afterward, Pineda laid his gloves in the Octagon and announced that he was retiring from competition.
A Farewell in the Octagon
Speaking with Paul Felder after the fight, Pineda said it was his last bout and thanked Elkins for the hard-fought contest. He left competition with a final record of 28 wins, 17 losses and three no contests.
A Career to Remember
Pineda’s career spanned nearly two decades and more than 40 professional bouts. His 28 victories all came by stoppage, split between submissions and knockouts. He leaves a clear legacy as an aggressive finisher whose final contest was a hard, competitive fight with a fellow veteran.
His retirement brings his long run in the sport to a close, while his experience as a fighter and coach continues to shape the next generation around him.
Sources:
Official event results: Elkins defeats Pineda; retirement confirmed
Official fighter profile: Pineda’s record and finish breakdown
MMA Fighting: Pineda retires after his final bout
Sherdog: Retirement announcement after Elkins fight
