Yesterday we learned that longtime UFC middleweight, Chris Leben, was taking a step back from competition and retiring from the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

Following a four-fight losing streak, not many were surprised.

Still though, losing a nine-year UFC veteran on the heels of his 22nd straight fight inside the Octagon is a tough pill to swallow.

The MMA world took to twitter to weigh in on the topic.

Check it:
Received 1000 tweets from you guys!! Overwhelming
– Chris Leben.

Thanks @cripplerufc for everything you did in the octagon and for the sport. You were a great fighter.
– Tim Kennedy

Happy retirement to one of the most entertaining fighter and a crazy warrior @cripplerufc Chris Leben !!! Happy life buddy !!!
– Patrick Cote

Congrats to a legendary Northwest fighter & pioneer @cripplerufc on his retirement, thanks for everything you’ve done for our sport.
– Michael Chiesa

Just saw @cripplerufc! is retiring. I have always enjoyed watching him fight. Even back in Oregon before I started fighting. Much respect
– Evan Dunham

All the best to @cripplerufc in his retirement I got to meet at UFC 138 in birmingham when he was The main event and I made I debut in #ufc
– John Maguire

Thank you @cripplerufc for entertaining me for years, and being an awesome teammate.Youre a legend and im honored to have trained with you.
– Joey Beltran