UFC 281: Tributes pour in for Frankie Edgar following bittersweet farewell to MMA at UFC 281

Frankie Edgar has announced that he's retiring after his devastating knockout loss to Chris Gutierrez at UFC 281.

It wasn't the farewell Edgar had expected. Early into the fight, Gutierrez caught the former lightweight champion with a knee that knocked him out cold in the opening round. This was Edgar's third KO loss in his past four outings.

'The Answer' then confirmed what many had suspected heading into the fight. It will his final appearance in the octagon after a storied 15-year career in the UFC.

"I love this sport, man... I didn’t want to go out like that, but this sport’s a b*tch. I’ve got my family here. That’s all that matters."

Watch Frankie Edgar's final UFC post-fight interview:

The 41-year-old veteran then broke down in tears before exiting the octagon. He ended his UFC career with a total of 24 wins and 11 losses.

Needless to say, Edgar's fellow UFC fighters were saddened to have witnessed his final fight. Here’s how the pros reacted to Edgar’s retirement fight.

UFC fighters react to Frankie Edgar's retirement

Frankie Edgar is one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC. Champion Aljamain Sterling called him a legend while Max Holloway considered him one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Frankie, you’re a legend brother. Nothing to hang your head about. I know you have so many successful avenues after this chapter in your life. Long live Iron strong, Frankie Edgar! #UFC281

Sending love to a GOAT! @FrankieEdgar 🙌🏻 #UFC281

Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira said Edgar will forever be a champion in his eyes. His sentiments were echoed by Brian Ortega, who claimed 'The Answer' is someone he still looks up to.

A forever champ @FrankieEdgar, obrigado

#UFC281

Your a fucken champ and someone I still look up to @FrankieEdgar you’re a legend my man!!!! Much love 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽👏👏. @ufc

Former middleweight champ Michael Bisping and rising welterweight star Khamzat Chimaev also paid tribute to a man they consider a "legend." Meanwhile, Belal Muhammad, Michael Chiesa, Terrance McKinney, and Ian McCall couldn't help but feel saddened by his departure.

@FrankieEdgar Legend 🥇

Frankie Edgar = legend! Hall of fame entry coming soon.

Ughhhhh

Oh no 🙈

Ok now I’m sad … @ufc

💔 #UFC281

Check out some more reactions below:

😪😪😪

Head up champ

Chris Gutierrez brutally knocks out Frankie Edgar. Edgar stiff on the ground momentarily. Ugh. His kids are cageside. Huge moment for Gutierez, he did what he had to do, but I wish this wasn't the way they booked Edgar on the way out. He deserved to fight someone his age. Damn.

The most loved fighter in the world @FrankieEdgar the real definition Of a Warrior! Thank you Fe for all you have done for me and the sport!!

Thank you @FrankieEdgar for a tremendous career you’re a champion forever ❤️

So much respect and love for the great @FrankieEdgar !!! #UFC281

Frankie Edgar's shining moment came at UFC 112, where he upset B.J. Penn to become the UFC lightweight champion. He defended the title twice before losing it to Benson Henderson at UFC 144 in 2012.

'The Answer' will also be remembered for his series of fights against Gray Maynard. Edgar lost to Maynard in their first meeting, went to a draw with him during the rematch, and won by TKO during the trilogy.