Elkins (photo via UFC.com/ ZUFFA)

By FCF Staff

After losing by unanimous decision to Hacran Dias last year, Darren Elkins decided it was time to make a change, and shifted his camp from Indiana to California.

In preparation for his bout with Robert Whiteford at UFC Fight Night 76, Elkins has been training with Sacramento’s Team Alpha Male. Recently the featherweight vet spoke to UFC.com, and while discussing his decision to train with TAM, Elkins said this:

“I’m at the point right now where I need to evolve my game some and work with some different guys this time…”

“I thought Alpha Male was the best fit for me because I’m a wrestler and most of these guys are wrestlers,” said the 31 year-old Elkins, who also works as a pipe fitter in Indianda. “I get along with them, and they’re not going to change my whole style; they’re just going to add on to my style. I got a hold of (Chad) Mendes and talked to him and he hooked me up, and once I got a fight, I decided I was going to come out here, and here I am.”

“The Damage” went on to say that he’s been trying to augment his grinding approach, by working on his striking technique, punching power, and submission skills.

Elkins (18-5) is currently ranked #14 in the UFC’s 145 division. Whiteford (12-2) is coming off a KO win over Paul Redmond.

UFC FN 76 will take place in Dublin, Ireland.