Remember athletes who retired from MMA in 2020

Khabib, Cormier and Minotouro are among the main athletes who left MMA in 2020. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage

In an atypical season, in which many athletes were willing to fight in an arena without an audience, some legends of the sport ended up not getting the farewell they deserved. With empty arenas, the sound of strikes, teams and commentators took the place of the screams of the audience that usually conducts events. Remember some fighters who, even without fans, decided not to continue in MMA, either due to age or personal reasons.

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Among the names listed are two champions who gave up their belts to take some time off. In addition to them, two legends who contributed to the spread of MMA around the world in the 2000s.

Rogério Minotouro

Minotouro (left) retired after finishing the trilogy with Shogun (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

One of the most responsible for the dissemination of MMA in the world, Rogério Minotouro confirmed his retirement this season. At 44 years old, the veteran understood that it was the best time.

In his last commitment, Minotouro agreed to end a historical trilogy with Mauritius Shogun, started more than 15 years ago, when they were still working in the now defunct Pride. In the confrontation, held in July, a new war and a new victory for the rival.

Rogério left the sport with a winning record of 33 fights, with 23 triumphs and 10 setbacks.

Henry Cejudo

H. Cejudo (right) thanks D. White (left) after announcing his retirement, still in the Octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @HenryCejudo

Although many believe that Cejudo's retirement is nothing more than a marketing stunt, the 33-year-old 'Triple C' has been officially retired since May, when he overcame Dominick Cruz, UFC 249. In the history of Ultimate, as part of the select group of fighters who held two titles in different divisions, the North American chose to abandon the sport, saying he was exhausted from years of competition.

In recent months, Cejudo has been flirting with a return to the sport, but has assured that he will only return for a title fight that he cannot refuse. The fighter wants to face Alexander Volkanovsky and try for a third title – something unprecedented for the company. Ultimate, however, continues to resist the athlete's attacks

Daniel Cormier

D. Cormier (left) in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @dc_mma

Considered one of the best fighters in recent MMA history, Daniel Cormier did not resist the effects of time. Undisputed champion in light heavyweight (up to 93kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2kg), the fighter ended his career after losing in the trilogy with Stipe Miocic, In August.

DC, 41, left the sport with a record of 22 wins, three losses and one fight without result, in 26 engagements in mixed martial arts.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

K. Nurmagomedov gets emotional after victory in UFC 254. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Probably the most impactful retirement in recent times, Khabib Nurmagomedov shocked the world by leaving the sport at the best stage of his career. Owner of the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg), the 32-year-old Russian left his gloves in the octagon after overcoming Justin gaethje, UFC 254, and unify the category title.

Emotional at the time, Khabib remembered his father, Abdulmanap – who died at the beginning of July, a victim of complications from Covid-19 – and expressed his feelings to the world, stating that he no longer saw any point in continuing to compete. Although the Russian remains firm in his decision, Dana White and his team remain optimistic about their star's eventual return.

Nurmagomedov left the sport with a perfect trajectory, recording 29 positive results in a row, without ever feeling the taste of defeat.

Anderson Silva

A. Silva had his last fight for the UFC at the end of October. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Although he has already reversed his decision, the retirement of Anderson Silva, even if momentary, stirred the emotions of the most nostalgic MMA fans. Being one of the best fighters of all time, 'Spider', 45 years old, had his last fight for the UFC in October, when he was defeated by Uriah Hall with a hard knockout.

One day after the spectacle, 'Spider', on his social networks, confirmed that he was leaving the sport to which he dedicated himself for more than 20 years.

Weeks later, however, a new surprise. With one fight remaining on his UFC contract, Silva confirmed that he was able to terminate his contract with the organization and was free on the market. In a post on Instagram, the Brazilian said he would continue his career and believes he still has what it takes to be competitive.

The legend gave no clues about where he will perform in the coming years. The Japanese event Rizin, however, showed interest in counting on Anderson, who was successful in Japan at the beginning of his career.