Legendary heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira announced his retirement from MMA on Tuesday, and the Brazilian MMA community reacted to the news on social media. Check what MMA stars had to say, including UFC champions Fabricio Werdum and Rafael dos Anjos.
Today the greatest warrior that this sport has ever known is retiring and the only thing I can do is being thankful, because this guy was the great example that led me to overcome my own limits and become a winner. So THANK YOU RODRIGO MINOTAURO!
Fabricio Werdum
Today is a very special day for every true Vale Tudo (MMA) fan. The day @minotauromma retired. But he will always continue to help our sport. Minotauro!
Thank you @minotauromma for all you did for sport”MMA” … Words can’t describe the sadness of seeing a great athlete and friend stop doing what he loves the most, but we will all get there in our careers. We love you, living legend.
Congrats for everything you did for the sport!! @minotauromma thank You!
@Minotauromma was always a warrior who inspired many athletes including myself, Thank you for sharing an extraordinary career with all.
— Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) 1 setembro 2015
Pleasure to be here at @minotauromma announcement to retired and be the @ufc Athlete Relations Ambassador #legend
Minotauro just announced his retirement and accepted the job of UFC ambassador. The feeling that stays is gratitude, master, for all the contribution to this sport and for taking the name of our country around the world. We from Team Nogueira wish you good luck in your new job. Very proud of being a friend and a partner of this legend, a source of inspiration and a role model to be followed, with a heart that fits everyone, and an example or overcoming. That’s how you build an idol.
Rafael dos Anjos
Lots of respect for this Guy. Rodrigo Minotauro, thank you for everything, a real legend.
Rafael Cordeiro
Thanks for all the joy you gave us throughout your great career. We, MMA and Vale Tudo fans, can only thank you. The lion is only decorated when he’s respected among lions. Huge respect.
Jonas Bilharinho
If I ever mean for the sport just half of what he ment, it’s more than enough for me. Thanks, @minotauromma, for being such a source of inspiration and goodwill for all of us!