LAS VEGAS – Davey Grant can't imagine a world in which he's not fighting.
Grant (16-8 MMA, 9-7 UFC) takes on rising bantamweight Elijah Smith (10-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) on Saturday's UFC Fight Night 293 (Paramount+) main card at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
Season 18 "Ultimate Fighter" finalist Grant faces someone 16 years his junior, but still has the fire and desire to compete.
"I feel like I just love it so much> I just don't want it to stop," Grant told MMA Junkie and other reporters during Wednesday's media day. "The harder I train, the better I do in fights. The more healthy I can keep myself, then the longer I can keep this going and keep doing what I love. Honestly, I'll be devastated. I'm going to be absolutely devastated when I retire.
"Hopefully
I don't take it too bad because I know I've got a fantastic life whether I'm fighting or not, but I do love the competition. I love being in fight camp. This is a real long fight camp, and I love it. I love knowing that I've got to go and test myself, and push myself, and stay as healthy, getting myself in the best shape."
Smith is riding some momentum after a highlight reel slam knockout of Toshiomi Kazama, then a submission of Su Young You in March.
"He's a great fighter," Grant said of Smith. "Great fighter, young up-and-comer, like one of those guys who's probably started doing MMA since he was about 4 years old. His dad came off from the UFC so, he's definitely well schooled and knows a hell of a lot about the game.
"It's going to be a great test, but that's what I'm here for. I'm here to go and try these guys, and go and get the win against whoever they put in front of me. It makes no difference, and I feel like he's good everywhere, and then I'm just going to be better."
With plenty of tread left in the tires, 40-year-old Grant hopes he can fulfill one goal before he calls it a career.
"Ideally, fight wise, go and get another three fights in next year – just keep going," Grant said. "Like I say, honestly, I can't thank the UFC enough for what they've given me and the life that I'm currently living, and I just want to keep it going just as long as possible. I really do. So, if I can get straight back out there and straight back in.
"Once a long time ago, I wrote all my goals down and luckily just about everything's come true. But I really, really want to try and get knocking on the doors and fighting guys in the top 10. That's where I feel like I want to be, and I would be really happy with my career when I retired if I was up there."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Davey Grant loves fighting, 'going to be absolutely devastated' when he retires
