- Melvin Manhoef retired after a KO loss at Bellator 285
- “No Mercy” received a touching tribute from some of his MMA peers
Melvin Manhoef decided to finally hang the gloves following a devastating KO loss to Yoel Romero at Bellator 285 in Dublin, Ireland. The 46-year-old had an emotional moment in the middle of the cage and was joined by his family as he bid farewell to the sport.
“No Mercy” says goodbye
Both Manhoef and Romero fought their hearts out but it was “Soldier of God” who prevailed in the final two minutes of the third round. Romero was able to control Manhoef via mount and finished the job by landing vicious ground and pound combinations while on top.
𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗛! 🔥
Devastating ground and pound from @YoelRomeroMMA to score a huge win in Dublin! 🇮🇪#Bellator285 | 🇺🇸 @SHOSports | 🇬🇧 @BBCThree pic.twitter.com/ATGkohqPNP
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 23, 2022
After the fight, Manhoef took the opportunity to say goodbye to MMA.
“I want to thank everybody for supporting my career for 28 years – 28 years I’m fighting and I didn’t want to fight a nobody,” Manhoef said after the fight via MMA Junkie. “I want to fight names. I did the best that I can. And for 28 years I’m doing this, this is what I love. I appreciate all the support that you gave me. But today I think we have to hang up the gloves after 28 years of fighting. Thanks for the support. You make my life great. Thank you, Ireland.”
What a man, what a career 👏
For everything you've given to combat sports, thank you, Melvin! #Bellator285 pic.twitter.com/ThQHGsQWgD
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 23, 2022
A tribute to a legend
Bellator CEO Scott Coker and some of Manhoef’s peers in the sport paid homage to “No Mercy” and his legendary career on social media.
Melvin @Team_Manhoef, you are one of my favorite fighters ever and it has been an absolute honor to promote you. Thank you for all the great memories over the years #Bellator285
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) September 23, 2022
Thank you, Melvin Manhoef #Bellator285 pic.twitter.com/wgydCyYvYZ
— Alexander K Lee (@AlexanderKLee) September 23, 2022
Melvin Manhoef went pro in 95 & I was only a year old salute to a 27 year combat sport career and one of the best knockout fighters ever
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) September 23, 2022
Legend @team_manhoef congrats on an amazing career 👏🏼 👏🏼
Talked to him a few times in the back of the 3 arena always had me in stitches laughing. A real one 💯 https://t.co/GcizI8jkIw
— Paul Redmond (@RedserMma) September 23, 2022
Big respect to both Yoel and Melvin 🙏
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) September 23, 2022
The defeat to Romero was Manhoef’s second consecutive loss via KO/TKO. He finished his career with a professional record of 32-16-1-2, and as one of the most celebrated strikers in combat sports, having tallied 29 wins via knockout. Manhoef fought in the most competitive promotions such as Bellator, Strikeforce and ONE Championship.