Henry Cejudo did what he said he was going to do on Saturday night -- he defeated Dominick Cruz to defend his UFC bantamweight championship.
But his second-round TKO wasn't even close to his biggest statement at UFC 249 in Jacksonville, Florida.
During his postfight interview with Joe Rogan, Cejudo announced his retirement from MMA, citing his desire to spend more time with his family.
"I've done enough for the sport, I want to walk away, I want to enjoy myself," Cejudo said.
He leaves as a former two-division UFC champion and with an Olympic gold medal in wrestling, Cejudo is in the discussion for being the greatest combat-sports athlete ever.
Many UFC fighters took to social media to give their take on the announcement from "Triple C."
Legendary @HenryCejudo my congratulations. You are the beast.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) May 10, 2020
How can you not love that man and what he's done. Congratulations @HenryCejudo what a career👏🏿👏🏿 #UFC249
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) May 10, 2020
Congrats on a great career @HenryCejudo !!! One of the greatest combat athletes of all time.
— Fight Island (@Benaskren) May 10, 2020
If you serious, well done on a great career!! @HenryCejudo #ufc249
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) May 10, 2020
Wow great career @HenryCejudo ... what the hell is about to happen
— Al Iaquinta🗽 (@ALIAQUINTA) May 10, 2020
There is only one person who can stop @HenryCejudo 😎 #UFC249 pic.twitter.com/RIeAiREQy2
— Valentina Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) May 10, 2020
There were some fighters skeptical of the 33-year-old Cejudo's retirement announcement:
Would definitely be unexpected if he actually does https://t.co/eQb2dMUKyY
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 10, 2020
Somebody's looking for that new contract, no way he's retiring
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 10, 2020
I always think u let em fight in championship fights. @HenryCejudo is a beast, frustrating for @DominickCruz Triple C Retired?? #cringy retirement :/
— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) May 10, 2020
The best contract negotiation ever 😂
— michael (@bisping) May 10, 2020
Why don't I believe Henry?
— Anthony Smith (@lionheartasmith) May 10, 2020
What about the bantamweight title contenders?
Smart decision to runaway from fighting me @HenryCejudo
— Petr "No Mercy" Yan (@PetrYanUFC) May 10, 2020
@danawhite you have two beasts, ready to put on show for the vacant 135 lb title. @PetrYanUFC I know you want this just as much as I do. I am ready whenever! #UFC249
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) May 10, 2020
