Some genuinely good news is kicking off 2026.<\/p>\n
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Darren Stewart revealed that the promotion will cover the cost of his upcoming hip surgery after he was left struggling to walk due to severe injuries<\/a>. Stewart is dealing with stage-four arthritis, a torn hip labrum, and additional damage that has caused him constant pain.<\/p>\n Back in November, \u201cThe Dentist\u201d disclosed that he had burned through his savings and turned to GoFundMe for financial help. This week, however, Stewart shared an emotional update confirming the UFC reached out directly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what, guys, the cat is out of the bag and I can\u2019t wait no more,\u201d Stewart said. \u201cI just want to say a big thank you to the f\u2014king UFC. They reached out to me \u2014 I got a phone call a few weeks ago. I honestly thought it was a prank call.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey said, \u2018We want to help you. We saw your situation online. You\u2019ve done so much for us \u2014 we can\u2019t see you suffer. We\u2019re here to help.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Stewart explained how the moment finally set in when he realized the call was legitimate.<\/p>\n \u201cI jumped out of bed like, \u2018No way,\u2019\u201d he continued. \u201cI hung up and went to my missus. I said to her, \u2018Babe, listen, I\u2019ve had this call from some random number.\u2019 She was like, \u2018So what?\u2019 I go, \u2018It\u2019s an American number.\u2019 She\u2019s still like, \u2018So what?\u2019 I told her to check it \u2013 yeah, it\u2019s from Nevada. I was like, \u2018Oh my God.\u2019 I knew it was real.\u201d<\/p>\n A former UFC staff member who previously assisted Stewart during hospital visits later confirmed the offer and helped begin the process.<\/p>\n \u201cShe messaged me and said, \u2018It\u2019s real. Let\u2019s get the paperwork sorted and get you those new hips,\u2019\u201d Stewart said. \u201cI nearly broke down in tears. I don\u2019t care \u2014 I\u2019m emotional\u2026I can\u2019t believe it\u2019s happening. I want to cry. I\u2019m in pain every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Rather than a full hip replacement \u2014 which would have ended his combat sports career \u2014 doctors recommended hip resurfacing surgery, allowing Stewart to remain active. He recently competed in a boxing match<\/a> against Darren Till in March.<\/p>\n Stewart is expected to finalize his surgery date in the coming days.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be honest with you guys, no matter how big we are and strong we are, mental health is the real issue. I\u2019ve had some depressing times,\u201d Stewart concluded. \u201cI just don\u2019t show it online. Depressing times. Talk to somebody. It\u2019s not a joke. You never know who is out there. I didn\u2019t want to do the fu\u2014king GoFundMe. My friends have helped me. I didn\u2019t want to do it. Friends have helped me. I\u2019ll be in pain for the rest of my life unless I get certain things done. Talk to somebody.\u201d<\/p>\n