The MMA world is witnessing the end of an era as **former ONE Featherweight Champion Martin Nguyen** and legendary **Bibiano Fernandes** announce their retirements together. For Nguyen, stepping away from the sport alongside a true icon like Fernandes was a moment of **“perfect timing.”**
With both fighters leaving behind incredible legacies, their decision to retire marks a significant shift in **ONE Championship** and the broader MMA landscape. But what led to this monumental decision, and what’s next for these two champions?
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After a remarkable career filled with **knockout finishes, title victories, and historic moments**, Martin Nguyen has decided to hang up his gloves. The Vietnamese-Australian fighter made history as ONE Championship’s first-ever **two-division world champion**, dominating both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
Nguyen’s explosive striking, powerful overhand right, and relentless warrior spirit made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch. However, he now believes it’s the **right time to walk away**, ensuring he leaves the sport on his own terms.
**“It was perfect timing,”** Nguyen stated, acknowledging the significance of retiring alongside Fernandes, a fighter he deeply respects.
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Bibiano Fernandes is widely regarded as **one of the greatest bantamweight champions in MMA history**. Holding the record for the most title defenses in ONE Championship’s bantamweight division, Fernandes built a legacy defined by elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, resilience, and championship dominance.
His retirement marks the end of an extraordinary journey, during which he faced and defeated some of the biggest names in the sport. Fernandes’ influence in MMA, particularly in the world of grappling and submission fighting, will remain unmatched for years to come.
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Both Nguyen and Fernandes have been warriors inside the cage for years, but every fighter eventually reaches a moment of reflection. Their decision to retire at the same time symbolizes a mutual understanding that their bodies and minds have given all they can to the sport.
Rather than risking decline or unnecessary damage, **they are choosing to leave while still being celebrated for their achievements**. This strategic retirement allows them to exit with dignity, opening doors for future opportunities outside of active competition.
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While they may be stepping away from professional fighting, their influence on the sport is far from over. Both champions have hinted at **staying involved in MMA**—whether through coaching, mentoring younger fighters, or exploring business ventures within combat sports.
– **Nguyen** has expressed interest in helping the next generation of fighters sharpen their striking and develop championship mindsets.
– **Fernandes**, with his deep grappling expertise, could transition into coaching or gym ownership, continuing to shape the future of MMA.
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The retirement of **Martin Nguyen and Bibiano Fernandes** marks the closing of an unforgettable chapter in ONE Championship history. Their contributions to the sport, thrilling fights, and championship reigns will be remembered by fans and fighters alike.