Darren Elkins (born May 16, 1984) is an American mixed martial artist currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he competes in the Featherweight division.

Darren Elkins was born and raised in Portage, Indiana. He attended Portage High School and competed in wrestling, placing seventh in the state as a freshman, having qualified for the state competition as a sophomore, placing third as a junior, and became a State Champion as a senior. Elkins also won multiple freestyle wrestling state championships as a youth. Elkins continued wrestling at University of Wisconsin Parkside, but did not finish his education at the university nor earn a degree as he dropped out after two years and decided to pursue a blue collar career when his wife became pregnant with their first child.

Elkins made his UFC debut on the preliminary card of UFC on Versus 1, where he defeated Duane Ludwig via TKO after Ludwig suffered a serious ankle injury after being taken down by Elkins in the first round.

His next bout took place on the preliminary card of UFC on Versus 2 against Charles Oliveira. Elkins took Oliveira down early, but his opponent quickly attempted a triangle choke. Oliveira then transitioned to an armbar, which forced Elkins to submit.

Elkins was expected to face touted prospect Edson Barboza on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123, but Elkins was forced from the card with an injury and replaced by Mike Lullo.

Elkins made his featherweight debut against Michihiro Omigawa on June 11, 2011, at UFC 131. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Elkins won a unanimous decision over Zhang Tiequan on October 8, 2011, at UFC 136. After several failed guillotine attempts from Zhang, Elkins was able to dominate him from top position including at several points mounting him and pounding away with strikes.

Elkins defeated TUF 14 winner Diego Brandão on May 26, 2012, at UFC 146. Elkins utilized his top game with ground and pound to win the second and third rounds, earning him the unanimous decision victory.