September 23, 2022 8: 00 pm ET
After 28 years, fight sports legend Melvin Manhoef is calling it givesup.
Following a third-round knockout defeat Friday to Yoel Romero at Bellator 285 in Dublin, Manhoef (32-16-2 MMA, 4-5 BMMA) took off his gloves and was signedupwith by his household in the cage for an psychological retirement statement.
“I desire to thank everyone for supporting my profession for 28 years – 28 years I’m combating and I didn’t desire to battle a noone,” Manhoef stated in the cage. “I desire to battle names. I did the finest that I can. And for 28 years I’m doing this, this is what I love. I value all the assistance that you provided me. But today I believe we have to hang up the gloves after 28 years of combating. Thanks for the assistance. You make my life terrific. Thank you, Ireland.”
The retirement and subsequent scenes of feeling were fulfilled with a standing ovation by the thousands of fans in participation.
Manhoef, 46, showed priorto the bout he anticipated it to be his last look and followed through. He formerly retired from his battle sports base of kickboxing in 2017.
The journey through battle sports competitors started at 18 for The Netherland