Daniel Cormier has retired from the UFC after losing to Stipe Miocic at UFC 252.
What happened?
The 41-year-old former heavyweight champion confirmed his retirement during a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
Cormier lost to Miocic via unanimous decision, with the champion solidifying his position as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Reaction from the UFC community
Training partners and colleagues have taken to social media to show their appreciation for Cormier, with Jon Anik and Mike Swick posting heartfelt messages.
And Colby Covington also expressed his admiration for Cormier, tweeting "Keep your head up champ @dc_mma! Legends never die!"
Lasting legacy
Cormier will leave a lasting legacy in the sport, having fought some of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters in the world.
He became a two-weight champion when he defeated Stipe Miocic in their first bout back in July 2018.
What comes next?
Although Cormier is finishing up his fighting career, he will continue working for the UFC as a commentator.
So his retirement marks the end of an era, but also a new beginning for the former champion.
The UFC community has come out in force to praise Cormier's achievements, with many taking to social media to thank him for his contributions to the sport.
But Cormier's impact will be felt for years to come, as he remains an ambassador and role model for the UFC.
On August 15, 2020, Cormier stated he had significantly injured his eye during the fight, saying "I can’t see anything out of my left eye".
And the extent of the injury became apparent after the fight, with Cormier requiring medical attention.
The fight ended in a unanimous decision victory for Miocic, with the champion winning 48-47 on all three scorecards.