Fans react to ONE Championship’s retirement sendoff for MMA legend Brandon Vera on Instagram

Former ONE heavyweight world champion Brandon Vera recently announced his retirement from MMA right after losing his comeback fight via TKO to Amir Aliakbari at ONE 164 last weekend. The loss and subsequent retirement were bittersweet as they happened in front of Vera's home fans in Manila, Philippines.

After the retirement announcement, ONE Championship posted an endearing photo of 'The Truth' leaving his gloves in the middle of the Circle and a video of him saying some motivational words to his fans:

"Thank you LEGEND 🙏 Brandon Vera shares his parting message with fans around the world 🌏 @brandonthetruthvera"

Fans, fighters and MMA personalities left some heart-warming comments on the post and expressed their congratulations on Vera's remarkable 20-year career.

Here are some of the notable comments:

Comments on ONE Championship's send-off for Brandon Vera

A very nice comment came from ONE atomweight fighter and Filipino MMA star Denice Zamboanga, who considered Vera one of her idols:

"my kuya champ 🙌❤️"

In the Filipino language, the word "kuya" translates to "big brother". To be called this by someone not related by blood is considered a sign of high respect. Meanwhile, ONE CEO and Chairman Chatri Sityodtong echoed how Filipino MMA fans feel about 'The Truth':

"thank you for everything, brandon! you’re a hero to the philippines! it’s your time to SHINE in the next chapters of your life! 🔥🔥🔥"

Perhaps the most interesting comment came from Instagram user @ts_condoriano:

"Recently started watching One, yesterday was my first (and last) time watching Vera fight and I nearly cried when he said goodbye. What a guy"

To elicit such emotions from someone who just watched you fight for the first time only proves that Vera's fighting heart inspires like no other.

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ONE 164: Brandon Vera vs. Amir Aliakbari play-by-play

Brandon Vera blasted through the gates like a bat out of hell and put pressure on Aliakbari, using hard calf kicks in an effort to slow down the Iranian wrestling specialist. After weathering Vera's powerful striking assault, Aliakbari shot for a takedown and put the Fil-Am striker on his backside.

Aliakbari then dropped a series of hellacious elbows, forcing 'The Truth' to roll to his stomach. The Iranian wrestler then landed a series of powerful blows to the prone Vera, forcing referee Herb Dean to end the bout.

Official fight result: Amir Aliakbari def. Brandon Vera via TKO at 3:37 of Round 1.