The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil over the weekend. Following the devastating knockout loss of a mixed martial arts legend, UFC fighters are now coming forward with their thoughts on the matter.
The world’s most famous mixed martial arts promotion was inside the Jeunesse Arena on Saturday, May 12, to host the highly anticipated fight card of UFC 224. Featured on the night’s live pay-per-view main card, MMA veteran Vitor Belfort went toe-to-toe with fellow fighting legend Lyoto Machida.
Machida earned a brutal finish over the fighter with a front kick knockout blow. After the fight, Belfort laid in gloves in the center of the octagon and announced the end of his mixed martial arts career.
Check out what many fighters had to say about the moment within the social media messages below:
Machida vs Belfort #UFC224
Legends do battle now
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) May 13, 2018
It's crazy to think Belfort/Machida has never happened before, but man, how amazing is it that we get to witness this now. ???? #UFC224
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) May 13, 2018
Back at the last Ufc Rio @vitorbelfort told me I need to come back to @tristargym I listened to him and Its the best I’ve ever felt. I’m really thankful that legend would even take the time to give me advice. I hope he gets the victory tonight #ufc224
— éS (@EricSpicely) May 13, 2018
I think whoever lands up top first wins. Based on their last few fights, I feel their ability to take damage has gone with time. We shall see #UFC224
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) May 13, 2018
FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) May 13, 2018
Twice. Jesus. #UFC224
— Jessy Jess (@missjessyjess) May 13, 2018
When they say your plane is having technical difficulties and your about to fly 9 hours. Not what I wanted to hear. #AmericanAirlines
— Frankie Saenz (@FrankieSaenz) May 13, 2018
I have @lyotomachidafw winning this first round. @vitorbelfort standing up in the corner seems to be in shape. @ufc
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) May 13, 2018
Lyoto killed a guy #UFC224
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) May 13, 2018
That was a nasty finish by Machida! Whew #UFC224
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) May 13, 2018
Oh. My. Gosh!!! I legit just got goosebumps ??? #UFC224 pic.twitter.com/i19AgxXvIP
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) May 13, 2018
Dam Vitor will now be on two front kick ko highlights ?
— Terrion Flash Ware (@flash_mma_ufc) May 13, 2018
That was nasty @lyotomachidafw love the humble respect after. #ufc224
— Zak Cummings (@ZakCummings) May 13, 2018
When they say your plane is having technical difficulties and your about to fly 9 hours. Not what I wanted to hear. #AmericanAirlines
— Frankie Saenz (@FrankieSaenz) May 13, 2018
2 legends. Such a beautiful kick by @lyotomachidafw
— Justin Gaethje ?? (@Justin_Gaethje) May 13, 2018
That was nasty! Gotta feel for Vitor.. two front kick ko losses #ufc224
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) May 13, 2018
Respect ??????
— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) May 13, 2018
The dragon still got it #ufc224
— Belal muhammad (@bullyb170) May 13, 2018
So glad to see Machida back to his winning ways but damn, it's so so sad to see Belfort go out like that. Thank you for an amazing career ???? #ThePhenom #UFC224
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) May 13, 2018
What a career @vitorbelfort
Much respect to you and everything you have accomplished in the @ufc
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) May 13, 2018
@vitorbelfort thank you for your contribution to the MMA . What you have done for MMA is amazing.
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) May 13, 2018
Obrigado @vitorbelfort ??
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) May 13, 2018
What’s front kick!!! The ? is back @lyotomachidafw
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) May 13, 2018
I remember being an 18 year old watching @vitorbelfort fight in the octagon & thinking he’s my age. I’ve been impressed, disappointed, & shocked by Vitor through his career; it sucks to see him go out like that but respect at 41 he was still willing to risk it. #Respect #UFC224
— Yves Edwards (@thugjitsumaster) May 13, 2018
