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via Imago

via Imago

Fans foresaw a tough fight when UFC icon Amanda Nunes was all set to lock horns with Irene Aldana at UFC 289. Perhaps Nunes’ triumph was also a foregone conclusion for many. However, after the win, the 35-year-old announced retirement from the sport. Her decision to hang the gloves came as a shocker to the sporting community. Fellow athletes from a myriad of sporting stages are honoring The Lioness. Joining them, a former NBA superstar gave a massive shout-out to Nunes.

Amanda Nunes undoubtedly has a great fanbase among the basketball royalty. Hours ago, ex-NBA star Dwight Howard paid tribute to Nunes after she announced her retirement. A Boston Celtics legend was the next in line to honor the UFC superstar.

Overwhelmed Boston Celtics legend honors Amanda Nunes

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Amanda Nunes defended her Bantamweight title against Irene Aldana in her last fight. The dominant win indeed became an icing on the cake for The Lioness who called it quits after the win. Sportscenter shared a video on Instagram of the emotional yet awe-inspiring final moments Nunes had in the cage.

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Nunes placed her Bantamweight and Featherweight belts on the floor. Soon, she removed her gloves and kept them by the side of her belts. The superstar then kissed both of her titles. Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett was quick to come across Amanda Nunes’ retirement gesture. Garnett shared Sportscenter’s post as his Instagram story. “Congratulations to @team.amandanunes. Unbelievable career… Goat,”?Kevin Garnett wrote in his story.

 

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A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter)

While Kevin Garnett celebrated Nunes’ legacy with a ‘Goat’ claim, fellow NBA veteran Dwight Howard adulated ‘The Lioness’ with a similar assertion.

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Dwight Howard also gave a shout-out to Amanda Nunes

Ever since Dwight Howard moved to Taiwan to play in the T1 league, he has become a butt of jokes for many in the NBA community. Aggravating his Taiwanese stint, word spread that Howard’s franchise might cut his pay. Shortly after Howard expressed his displeasure regarding this, Amanda Nunes’ big decision hit the sporting world. Subsequently, Dwight Howard took to Twitter and wrote, ?Congrats @Amanda_Leoa the greatest ever. Amazing Career.?

READ MORE: ?Tonight Is the Perfect Night to Retire?- UFC GOAT Amanda Nunes Stuns the UFC World With Retirement Announcement Post Dominant Irene Aldana Win at UFC 289

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Amanda Nunes has left behind an unparalleled UFC legacy. Winning both Bantamweight and Featherweight titles, she became the only woman and the third UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. Therefore, the warm gestures from NBA legends like Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard do not come as a surprise. Nunes indeed had an unbelievable and amazing career.

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