Pro Fighters React to Dan Henderson’s Retirement from MMA

On Saturday night, in the main event of UFC 204, MMA legend Dan Henderson stepped onto the canvas for a final time. The former Pride and Strikeforce titleholder did so against an old rival in Michael Bisping, in a bout that could have won him the UFC middleweight title.

Regrettably, Henderson was not able to achieve his title-winning happy ending. Though he nearly finished his British foe in the first and second rounds, the larger fight saw him soundly out-hustled by a workmanlike Bisping.

In the end, then, Bisping would win by unanimous decision, depriving Henderson of a W in his final fight, and of the UFC gold that has eluded him his whole career.

In the wake of this hotly debated decision loss, the retiring Henderson received props from many of the games top fighters, who thanked him for the years of entertainment and influence he has provided.

Check out the best of those reactions below.

Congrats to @danhendo regardless of the out come you are @ufc #champ pic.twitter.com/2GltU6lRMM

— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) October 9, 2016

@danhendo you are a warrior like none other. One of the greatest fighters this sport with ever see. Been an honor my friend.

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) October 9, 2016

If there was a Mount Rushmore for Mma @danhendo would be on it.

— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) October 9, 2016

True champion, old monster. #DanHenderson #Inspiration #Belts #Champ #Pride⚡️ https://t.co/s2ndW7r0KB

— Dudu Dantas (@DuduDantasMMA) October 9, 2016

Congrats @danhendo on one hell of a career. You're one of the reasons I got into this sport. You're a true inspiration and champion #UFC204

— Mike Pierce (@MikePierce170) October 9, 2016

I only wish I can leave the legacy that @danhendo has left behind in this sport… I'm going do the best I can to get close to it.

— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) October 9, 2016

One of the baddest man on the planet just retire !!! #Hendo #Hbomb @ufc

— . (@patrick_cote) October 9, 2016

I'm so amazed! Almost 50years old and fought a 5 round fight like a G. #hendonation

— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) October 9, 2016

@danhendo you have done so much for the sport. You are one of the greatest of all time. #notoverthehill

— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) October 9, 2016

Thank you @danhendo! A true legend in our sport. Honored to have been on the same fight card as you at UFC 139. Much respect! #UFC204 #HOF pic.twitter.com/RZj7pVy2tm

— Michael McDonald (@MaydayMcDonald) October 9, 2016

Respect #hendo you've done a lot for the sport ! Have a great retirement 👊#ufc204 @danhendo pic.twitter.com/wzwWVHbZBO

— Nordine Taleb💧 (@TNT83MMA) October 9, 2016

@danhendo thank you for an amazing career. Your a legend and should have retired @UFC champ as well #robbed

— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) October 9, 2016

Thank you @danhendo 🙌🏽.. @ufc

— FranCisco Rivera (@CiscoRiveraUFC) October 9, 2016

Big respect for you @danhendo I grew up watching your fights. You fought against a lot of my… https://t.co/T0MUAtH85Y

— Roan Jucao (@jucao) October 9, 2016

@danhendo still my hero #ufc204

— Louis Smolka (@LouisSmolkaMMA) October 9, 2016

Thank you @danhendo #Hendo

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 9, 2016

@danhendo best career ever #ufc204

— BMF.eth (@GamebredFighter) October 9, 2016

Congratulations on an amazing career @danhendo #legend

— Cung Le (@CungLe185) October 9, 2016

Win Lose or Draw @danhendo is a OG! Thanks for all the years of #Greatness u are the definition of leaving it all in the cage! @UFC #ufc204

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) October 9, 2016

What do you think about Dan Henderson’s legendary MMA career? Do you consider him on of the greatest of all time? Sound off, PENN nation!