Kyle Daukaus: The D'Arce Knight Carves His Path in MMA
Kyle Daukaus—better known by his moniker, “The D’Arce Knight”—has emerged as one of the most formidable submission specialists in modern mixed martial arts (MMA). With a career marked by discipline, gritty perseverance, and an uncanny knack for chokes, particularly the D’Arce, he continues to captivate fans across promotions like UFC and Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC).
Early Life and MMA Genesis
Born on February 27, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kyle Daukaus grew up alongside his brother Chris Daukaus in the Tacony neighborhood. The brothers bonded watching UFC bouts and grappling in their basement, fostering early instincts for mixed martial arts.
After high school, Kyle weighed around 260 pounds, leading coaches to suggest heavy‑weight matchups. Embracing a transformation, he dropped to 185 lbs, his eventual competitive weight class, pursuing amateur and later professional fight opportunities.
From Local Gyms to Global Stage
Daukaus officially launched his professional MMA career in 2017. His debut came at AFL 53, where he executed a rear-naked choke victory in the first round. Over the next two years, he earned a string of submission victories across regional promotions—Clocking wins via brabo chokes and rear-naked chokes at venues such as CFFC and Ring of Combat.
His defining moment arrived on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) in 2019, where he secured his first decision win. Although he didn't immediately receive a UFC contract, his performance showcased his potential.
UFC Chapter: Trials and Triumphs
Debut and Early UFC Bouts
Kyle’s UFC debut materialized in June 2020, stepping in on short notice for Ian Heinisch against Brendan Allen—resulting in a unanimous decision loss. Not to be dissuaded, he rebounded at UFC 255 (Nov 2020) with a win over Dustin Stoltzfus via unanimous decision.
Ups and Downs Inside the Octagon
In 2021, a bout with Phil Hawes ended in another decision loss. Later that year, a confusing bout against Kevin Holland initially appeared as a submission victory but was overturned to a No Contest after a head clash led to disallowed sequence.
2022 added more highs and lows: a stunning first-round D’Arce choke submission over Jamie Pickett earned him Performance of the Night. However, subsequent fights against Roman Dolidze and Eryk Anders ended in knockout and TKO losses respectively.
UFC Departure & Tactical Return
By early 2023, Daukaus had fought out his UFC contract and was not re-signed. Yet, adversity spurred redirection: he returned to CFFC, capturing and defending their Middleweight Championship multiple times, asserting dominance and reaffirming his championship caliber.
Career Highlights and Achievements
| Category | Achievement / Detail |
|---|---|
| Nickname | “The D’Arce Knight” – a tribute to his signature choke technique |
| Professional Record | 15 wins, 4 losses, and 1 No Contest as of mid‑2025 |
| Wins Breakdown | 11 by submission (73%), 3 by decision (20%), 1 by KO/TKO (7%) |
| UFC Accolades | Earned a Performance of the Night bonus for the submission of Jamie Pickett |
| CFFC Titles | Two‑time Middleweight Champion with multiple successful defenses |
| Signature Technique | D'Arce (Brabo) choke—his most consistent finishing move |
What Makes Daukaus Unique?
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Technical Grappler Extraordinaire: Nearly three-quarters of his wins come via submission, underscoring his prowess on the mat.
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Rewarding Perseverance: Despite UFC setbacks, his post-UFC resurgence exemplifies resilience and dedication to the craft.
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Hometown Pride: Trains and resides in his native Philadelphia, embracing the community that shaped him.
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Legacy Tied to Family: As the younger brother of former UFC heavyweight Chris Daukaus, Kyle pulled from shared passions and training roots.
Takeaways: Daukaus’s Martial Qualities
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Elite Submission Game – Dominates on ground with precise grappling.
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Adaptable and Gritty – Learns fast from losses and evolves fiercely.
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Fearless in Competition – Fights on short notices, high stakes, under pressure.
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Hometown Warrior – Philly-raised and forging his own legacy locally.
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Champion Mindset – Multiple CFFC reigns signal consistency and hunger.
Final Thoughts: Where Does The D’Arce Knight Go From Here?
Kyle Daukaus stands as a testament to tenacity in MMA. His journey—marked by submission artistry, regional championship glory, and UFC battles—crafts a narrative of unyielding spirit. Whether eyeing another audition for the UFC, competing in elite grappling events, or defending his CFFC title, one thing remains clear: The D’Arce Knight is far from done. His blend of technical ferocity, mental endurance, and local pride forecast that the best chapters of his story may still lie ahead.
For MMA fans and aspiring fighters alike, Daukaus’s journey offers a blueprint: fight with heart, refine your craft, and never let setbacks cloud the vision of victory.
