The combat world had not recovered from the loss of Stephan Bonnar and Anthony Johnson, when the news of another loss hit like a hurricane. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele, unfortunately succumbed to cancer on 29th December 2022. The Brazilian legend was admitted in the hospital due to respiratory infection and complications due to his underlying colon cancer. However, his condition seemed to worsen for a week. Sadly, he could not take it anymore and left the world. Along with the world, the MMA community also shed tears for the legend. Without a doubt, the famed reporter, Ariel Helwani, also expressed his grief over social media.
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Helwani is not one of the much-liked personalities in the sport. Given the heat emanated from his dispute with Dana White, his reputation has gone down a bit. This was displayed by the fans when they responded to the social media post. Nonetheless, many fans appreciated and stood with him in his mourning.
Fans react to Ariel Helwani mourning for Pele
Following the sad passing of Pele, many big names have taken to social media to express grief. Among them stood Helwani, as he posted a picture of the champ, Muhammed Ali, giving Pele a hug. Without a doubt, the grief has seemingly increased for the sporting community.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 29, 2022
With the sadness looming over the sporting community, any social media post with the legend’s picture is, in fact, meant to make the eyes leak. The fans went into nostalgic mode when they saw the two legends together in a single picture. Doubtlessly, the comments section exploded with nothing but love for the ‘King of Football’.
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Here is what people had to say:
Thank you for sharing this pic.
— Kavin Kumar (@Kavin_1981) December 30, 2022
The greatest there ever was with the three world cups ❤
— Mark Soliva (@MSoliva7) December 30, 2022
Beautiful photo. Two legends
— TK (@RonnieTrapie) December 29, 2022
Maybe the most underrated sports photo of all time
— Vincent Gilroy (@vincentgilroy) December 29, 2022
Powerful picture! 🔥
— Raul (@raulvibe) December 29, 2022
Pics that go hard:
— Mario (@mariog_06) December 29, 2022
Thus, social media users are quite saddened.
UFC legends shower tributes
The news not only affected the soccer community, but also the world of mixed martial arts. Apart from Ariel Helwani, some of the fighters took to social media to shed some tears over the saddening news.
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Descanse em paz Rei @Pele
RIP KING Pelé
— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) December 29, 2022
Without a doubt, the former UFC lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, and the former UFC featherweight champion, Jose Aldo, were the first ones to grieve. Both the fighters took to Twitter and wrote, “Descanse em paz”, which translated to “Rest in peace”. Furthermore, Oliveira honored the original G.O.A.T. by calling him “King Pele”.
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Undeniably, the year is seemingly ending in a sorrowful note indeed. The 82-year-old star has stood on the limelight with three world cups. A feat the players have only dreamt of achieving. Nonetheless, with his stories and victories, the legend lives on in the memories and the hearts of the fans.