Darren Elkins returns at UFC Vegas 120 against Yadier del Valle

Veteran featherweight Darren Elkins will return from a 16-month layoff to face Cuban prospect Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 120 on Aug. 8 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, the promotion announced Wednesday.

Elkins, 41, comes off a loss to Julian Erosa at UFC 314 that snapped a two-fight winning streak over Daniel Pineda and TJ Brown. The 29-12 veteran has built a reputation as a durable gatekeeper who routinely upsets hot prospects — a role the UFC is tapping into once again by matching him against the younger del Valle.

Del Valle looks to rebound after first career loss

Del Valle enters the bout off the first defeat of his professional career, a lopsided loss to Jordan Leavitt in his most recent outing. Before that setback, the 10-1 featherweight had looked sharp with back-to-back first-round submission wins over Connor Matthews and Isaac Dulgarian, though the Dulgarian victory later became part of an FBI investigation into unusual betting patterns.

Elkins has spent much of his UFC tenure as the blood-soaked veteran test for rising fighters, and he has ruined more than a few hype trains along the way. Del Valle, despite the cooling of his momentum after the Leavitt loss, remains well-rounded and dangerous enough to pose a real threat if the Cuban can navigate Elkins' grinding style.

UFC Vegas 120 is headlined by Mateusz Gamrot against Quillan Salkilld.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Damage! Darren Elkins returns, added to UFC Vegas 120 against Cuban prospect