Twitter Reaction: Anderson Silva’s UFC career comes to an emotional end

It was an emotional end to a dominant career for Anderson Silva.

The 45-year-old made his final appearance in a UFC octagon on Saturday night, losing via a fourth-round knockout to Uriah Hall.

IT’S OVER!

Hall catches Silva and ends it with some ground strikes #UFCVegas12 pic.twitter.com/7Nx1W7AKKF

— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) November 1, 2020

After the fight, Hall and Silva shared an emotional moment, with both fighters embracing each other before Silva announced his departure from the UFC.

“You’re the reason why I’m doing this. Thank you so much.”

Incredible. #UFCVegas12 pic.twitter.com/764LPSdgiF

— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) November 1, 2020

One final time, @SpiderAnderson says goodbye to the Octagon. #UFCVegas12 pic.twitter.com/1n5vHTDRJx

— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) November 1, 2020

Fans and fighters alike who’ve watched ‘The Spider’ over the years took to Twitter to express their gratitude for Silva’s career:

Will always love the spider

— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 1, 2020

Farewell to Anderson Silva:

Held the title for 2,457 days
10 title defences
Longest consecutive win streak
Middleweight goat
Wins at LHW

one of the goats pic.twitter.com/cqNcEwLlHA

— healthy rob (@HealthyRob1) November 1, 2020

A Sadness seeing Lions get old, but watching Silva leave the cage and do interview, u still see the Majesty of a Lion. And u can’t look away. #UFCFightnight #ufc

— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) November 1, 2020

Saying goodbye, to everything he’s worked for. What a story, what a journey. Anderson Silva is still one of the best to ever do it. #UFCFightnight pic.twitter.com/BF2AyXWwdo

— Lewis Simpson MMA (@LGS_MMA) November 1, 2020

Prime Anderson Silva was a force of nature the likes of which we’ve never seen.

We’ve seen imperious champions before, but none with the mystique and aura Silva had in his pomp.

He may go out on a loss, but his legacy & standing in the sport has long been cemented.#UFCVegas12 pic.twitter.com/ebgIjTtgHD

— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) November 1, 2020

So emotional watching the last fight for Anderson Silva in the UFC.

He has inspired entire generations of martial artists and cannot wait to see him be inducted into the HOF #UFCVegas12

— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) November 1, 2020

I am thankful for the career of Anderson Silva but boy is it heartbreaking knowing the last thing we’ll ever see of him in the octagon is him holding onto Herb Dean’s leg for dear life.

— Rob Wong (@WongSN590) November 1, 2020

Will always have a soft spot for Anderson Silva, despite the last few years. The man was as elite as it got for years, seemingly invincible. Had a different kind of aura. So many unforgettable moments. #UFCVegas12

— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) November 1, 2020

You have respect a 45 year old man , getting himself in shape , making weight and competing with younger / some of the best athletes in the world! Thanks for everything legend Anderson Silva, single handily carrying our sport! #UFC

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 1, 2020