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 retirementFrankie 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.Aljamain Sterling@funkmasterMMAFrankie, 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! #UFC2811142108Frankie, 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! #UFC281Max Holloway@BlessedMMASending love to a GOAT! @FrankieEdgar 🏻 #UFC2812134198Sending love to a GOAT! @FrankieEdgar 🙌🏻 #UFC281Former 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.Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira@CharlesDoBronxsA forever champ @FrankieEdgar, obrigado#UFC2813759301A forever champ @FrankieEdgar, obrigado#UFC281Brian Ortega@BrianTcityYour a fucken champ and someone I still look up to @FrankieEdgar you’re a legend my man!!!! Much love 🏽🏽🏽🏽. @ufc104093Your a fucken champ and someone I still look up to @FrankieEdgar you’re a legend my man!!!! Much love 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽👏👏. @ufcFormer 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.Khamzat Chimaev@KChimaev@FrankieEdgar Legend 🥇20026@FrankieEdgar Legend 🥇michael@bispingFrankie Edgar = legend! Hall of fame entry coming soon.119191Frankie Edgar = legend! Hall of fame entry coming soon.Belal Muhammad@bullyb170Ughhhhh2636UghhhhhTerrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney@twrecks155Oh no 3084Oh no 🙈Ian McCall@UnclecreepymmaOk now I’m sad … @ufc313Ok now I’m sad … @ufcMichael Chiesa@MikeMav22 #UFC2811855💔 #UFC281Check out some more reactions below:Funky@Benaskren38415😪😪😪C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A@chitoveraUFCHead up champ2401130Head up champAriel Helwani@arielhelwaniChris 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.3490219Chris 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.Cody Garbrandt@Cody_NoloveThe 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!!38826The 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!!Dan Ige@Dynamitedan808Thank you @FrankieEdgar for a tremendous career you’re a champion forever 46Thank you @FrankieEdgar for a tremendous career you’re a champion forever ❤️Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson@WonderboyMMASo much respect and love for the great @FrankieEdgar !!! #UFC28149843So much respect and love for the great @FrankieEdgar !!! #UFC281Frankie 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.