Melvin Manhoef’s 28-year run is over.
The 46-year-old MMA unique introduced his retirement Friday evening following a third-round knockout loss to Yoel Romero within the co-main occasion of Bellator 285, which befell on the 3Arena in Dublin, Eire. The information brings an finish to a close to three-decade profession in each MMA and kickboxing that noticed Manhoef set up himself as some of the harmful knockout artists of his time.
Throughout a profession that started in 1995, Manhoef competed for practically each main non-UFC promotion underneath the solar, making stops in Rings, Strikeforce, Bellator, ONE Championship, Okay-1, DREAM, KSW, and extra. He authored a slew of highlight-reel knockouts, together with an 18-second gem towards Mark Hunt and a 90-second demolition of Kazushi Sakuraba, each of which occurred in 2008. He additionally took on among the greatest competitors round, dealing with off towards the likes of Robbie Lawler, Gegard Mousasi, Paulo Filho, and extra.
See how the MMA world reacted to Manhoef’s retirement beneath.
Melvin @Team_Manhoef, you might be considered one of my favourite fighters ever and it has been an absolute honor to advertise you. Thanks for all the good recollections through the years #Bellator285
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) September 23, 2022
Melvin Manhoef went professional in 95 & I used to be solely a 12 months outdated salute to a 27 12 months fight sport profession and top-of-the-line knockout fighters ever
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) September 23, 2022
