‘Forever a legend’: Pros react to Michelle Waterson-Gomez’s emotional UFC 303 retirement
Michelle Waterson-Gomez is calling it a career.
After 17 years, Waterson-Gomez announced her retirement from MMA on Saturday following a loss to Gillian Robertson at UFC 303. A pioneer for the women’s game and former Invicta FC atomweight champion, Waterson-Gomez exits the UFC with a 6-9 octagon record and 18-13 overall record, holding notable wins over Jessica Penne, Paige VanZant, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Felice Herrig, and Angela Hill.
Check out how the MMA world reacted to Waterson-Gomez’s emotional retirement below.
Michelle Waterson-Gomez announces her retirement at #UFC303 pic.twitter.com/8twf1DyXR7
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 30, 2024
Congrats on a great career! Enjoy retirement @karatehottiemma #UFC303
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) June 30, 2024
Great way to pivot from a tough interview to a beautiful tribute moment. Well done @ufc and congratulations on a great career @karatehottiemma. #UFC303
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 30, 2024
to the one and only karate hottie! Awesome career
— Miles Chapo Johns (@milesxjohns) June 30, 2024
Amazing career @karatehottiemma much respect forever a legend @ufc #UFC303
— Charles Rosa (@CharlesRosaMMA) June 30, 2024
So much respect for @karatehottiemma what a career #UFC303
— Jocelyn Lybarger (@mmajocelyn) June 30, 2024
Hell of a career for Michelle Waterson . Proud to call her a former teammate !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) June 30, 2024
Much respect ✊ karate hottie#UFC303
— Chris “El Guapo” Gutierrez (@CGutierrezMMA) June 30, 2024
Watching @karatehottiemma retire was emotional. If you’ve ever been on the last leg of your athletic career you’d understand. Trying to understand your identity without competition can be grueling. Hope she finds peace on the other side. Big fan, always have been.
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) June 30, 2024