Legendary heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira announced his retirement from MMA on Tuesday, and the Brazilian MMA community reacted to the news on social media. Check what MMA stars had to say, including UFC champions Fabricio Werdum and Rafael dos Anjos.

Junior dos Santos

Uma foto publicada por Junior Cigano Dos Santos (@junior_cigano) em Set 1, 2015 às 12:57 PDT

Today the greatest warrior that this sport has ever known is retiring and the only thing I can do is being thankful, because this guy was the great example that led me to overcome my own limits and become a winner. So THANK YOU RODRIGO MINOTAURO!

Fabricio Werdum

Uma foto publicada por Fabricio Werdum (@werdum) em Set 1, 2015 às 12:33 PDT

Today is a very special day for every true Vale Tudo (MMA) fan. The day @minotauromma retired. But he will always continue to help our sport. Minotauro!

Antonio Silva

Uma foto publicada por Antonio Silva (@bigfootsilva) em Set 1, 2015 às 11:50 PDT

Thank you @minotauromma for all you did for sport"MMA" ... Words can’t describe the sadness of seeing a great athlete and friend stop doing what he loves the most, but we will all get there in our careers. We love you, living legend.

Lyoto Machida

Uma foto publicada por Lyoto Machida (@lyotomachidafw) em Set 1, 2015 às 12:53 PDT

Congrats for everything you did for the sport!! @minotauromma thank You!

Raphael Assuncao

@Minotauromma was always a warrior who inspired many athletes including myself, Thank you for sharing an extraordinary career with all. — Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) 1 setembro 2015

Roan Carneiro

Uma foto publicada por jucao21 (@jucao21) em Set 1, 2015 às 10:26 PDT

Pleasure to be here at @minotauromma announcement to retired and be the @ufc Athlete Relations Ambassador #legend

Erick Silva

Uma foto publicada por ε૨เ૮ҡ รเℓѵα (@ericksilvamma) em Set 1, 2015 às 12:06 PDT

Minotauro just announced his retirement and accepted the job of UFC ambassador. The feeling that stays is gratitude, master, for all the contribution to this sport and for taking the name of our country around the world. We from Team Nogueira wish you good luck in your new job. Very proud of being a friend and a partner of this legend, a source of inspiration and a role model to be followed, with a heart that fits everyone, and an example or overcoming. That’s how you build an idol.

Rafael dos Anjos

Uma foto publicada por Rafael Dos Anjos (@rdosanjosmma) em Set 1, 2015 às 12:36 PDT

Lots of respect for this Guy. Rodrigo Minotauro, thank you for everything, a real legend.

Rafael Cordeiro

Uma foto publicada por Rafael Cordeiro (@kings_mma) em Set 1, 2015 às 12:47 PDT

Thanks for all the joy you gave us throughout your great career. We, MMA and Vale Tudo fans, can only thank you. The lion is only decorated when he’s respected among lions. Huge respect.

Jonas Bilharinho

Uma foto publicada por Jonas Speed Bilharinho (@jonasspeed) em Set 1, 2015 às 3:16 PDT