'What a ride' – Meet the UFC's longest-serving Brit

The UFC's longest-serving Briton Davey Grant says his time in the promotion has been "the best portion of my life". Davey Grant has fought in the UFC for almost 13 years The 40-year-old is set to fight American bantamweight Elijah Smith in Las Vegas on Saturday, almost 13 years after debuting in the UFC. Although fighters such as Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards have fought more times in the UFC, no Briton has ever been in the promotion for longer. Grant made his UFC debut in November 2013 and has fought 16 times in the promotion, winning nine. "What a ride – it's been the best portion of my life," said Grant.

"I'm so grateful to still be doing this. I thank my lucky stars, I've lived the life I've wanted to live and I'm so thankful to still be here and doing what I love." Smith's father Gilbert fought in the UFC only seven months before Grant debuted in the promotion. Aged 24, Smith is 16 years younger than Grant and has won all three of his UFC fights after debuting in the organisation last year. Grant is undeterred by his younger opponent and says his skills have improved with age. Grant, who's from Darlington but has moved to Las Vegas with his wife and children, beams as he