Top 10 Saddest UFC Retirements in MMA History
Why UFC Retirements Leave Such a Lasting Impact
The UFC is built on glory, violence, and unforgettable moments. But some of the most emotional scenes in the sport’s history have nothing to do with knockouts or title belts—they come when legends step away for good. Whether after a crushing loss, a triumphant victory, or circumstances beyond their control, these retirements left arenas in tears and MMA fans with lumps in their throats. Here are the ten saddest retirements in UFC history, plus two bonus mentions that deserve recognition.
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov – The Eagle’s Perfect Farewell
Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away at 29–0, retiring after choking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. It wasn’t just that he retired undefeated—it was the emotion behind it. Fighting for the first time without his father and coach Abdulmanap, Khabib broke down in tears inside the Octagon. His speech, promising to keep his mother’s wish and never fight again, stunned the world. Many believed he was entering his prime and could dominate for years, but instead, he left us with the rarest thing in MMA: perfection.
2. Daniel Cormier – The End of a Double Champ
Daniel Cormier gave everything to the sport, from Olympic wrestling to holding titles in two UFC divisions. His trilogy with Stipe Miocic ended at UFC 252, where “DC” lost by decision. In his final speech, he admitted his title run was over. Fans loved Cormier’s personality, commentary, and warrior spirit, making his farewell tough to process. Few men carried the sport both inside and outside the cage the way he did.
3. Robbie Lawler – Ruthless to the End
The all-action brawler Robbie Lawler went out in style. At UFC 290, he knocked out Niko Price in under a minute (full fight here) before leaving his gloves in the Octagon. Lawler’s farewell was special because it wasn’t a sad decline—he reminded fans one last time of the chaos that made him a legend. From his wars with Rory MacDonald to his title reign, “Ruthless” embodied what MMA fans love most: violence with heart.
4. Donald Cerrone – The Cowboy Rides Away
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone finally hung them up after his rematch loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276. Cerrone was never a UFC champion, but he became a legend for his sheer activity: most fights, most finishes, most bonuses. Fans cried not because Cowboy lost, but because the sport lost one of its purest souls—someone who would fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. His hat, his smile, and his warrior’s spirit will forever be tied to UFC history.
5. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson – A Farewell With Heartbreak
Anthony Johnson shocked the world when he retired after losing to Daniel Cormier at UFC 210. Fans expected him to continue his terrifying knockout run, but “Rumble” walked away, citing personal reasons. Years later, tragedy struck—Johnson passed away in 2022 at just 38 years old. His retirement was already sad, but his untimely death turned it into one of the most painful losses in MMA history.
6. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua – A Legend’s Last Stand
Shogun Rua, a former UFC and PRIDE champion, closed out his career at UFC 283 with a loss to Ihor Potieria (see fight). The Rio de Janeiro crowd gave him a hero’s farewell. For fans who watched his rise in PRIDE and his legendary knockout of Lyoto Machida, Shogun’s retirement was a reminder that even the fiercest warriors can’t fight time. His legacy, however, remains eternal.
7. Glover Teixeira – A Champion’s Goodbye
Glover Teixeira retired at 43 after a brutal five-round battle with Jamahal Hill at UFC 283. What made Glover’s retirement so sad wasn’t just the fight—it was knowing he had climbed the mountain so late, winning the title at 42, only to lose it shortly after. Fans adored his perseverance and humility, making his farewell one of the sport’s most emotional moments.
8. Dustin Poirier – The Diamond’s Spark Fades
Dustin Poirier gave us countless wars, from his interim title win over Max Holloway (UFC 236 classic) to his finishes of Conor McGregor. While not officially retired as of mid-2025, Poirier’s recent hints at walking away after UFC 302 left fans bracing for impact. If it’s true, it will mark the end of one of the most exciting careers in UFC history. The sadness comes not from defeat but from losing one of the sport’s true good guys.
9. Paul Felder – The Irish Dragon’s Exit
Paul Felder took a short-notice fight against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 14 and went the distance, only to announce later he was done. Fans admired his honesty: he no longer felt the fire to fight. His commentary career kept him in the spotlight, but the Octagon lost one of its most brutal and entertaining fighters.
10. Chan Sung Jung – The Korean Zombie Bows Out
The Korean Zombie retired after his war with Max Holloway at UFC Singapore. The way he left—throwing everything at Holloway until he was stopped—was the perfect encapsulation of his career. Zombie’s walkout song, “The Cranberries – Zombie,” became an anthem for MMA fans, and when he bowed for the final time, millions around the world cried with him.
Bonus Mentions
Luke Rockhold: The former middleweight king Luke Rockhold retired after his wild brawl with Paulo Costa at UFC 278. Rockhold fought with a broken nose and sheer grit, proving he still had the heart of a warrior.
Robbie Lawler’s peers like Efrain Escudero and other forgotten names also faded quietly. While not as celebrated, their exits highlight how unforgiving the sport can be for those outside the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Retirement in MMA is often temporary—but in these cases, it felt final, and that finality stings. From Khabib’s perfect legacy to The Korean Zombie’s warrior goodbye, these moments shook fans because they reminded us of why we watch: heart, struggle, and humanity. For more deep dives into the UFC and its legends, explore our coverage of the UFC and the fighters who built it.
