The combat sports world felt the loss of a iconic figure on Friday when news broke that Chuck Norris had died.

Norris held many martial arts accolades, which inspired a number of projects through his decorated acting career. With many fighters idolizing Norris, the impact of his death was felt across the fighting community.

Check below to see some of the industry reactions to Norris’ death.

Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion who became an iconic action star and led the hit series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died. He was 86.

Norris was hospitalized in Hawaii on Thursday, and his family posted a statement saying he had died Friday morning:

It is with heavy… pic.twitter.com/eZnLC6o3kl

— Variety (@Variety) March 20, 2026

Damn… RIP 🙏🏼👊🏼 https://t.co/LsOE15IzGs

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 20, 2026

Rip Chuck Norris

— Garrett Armfield (@Armfield135) March 20, 2026

Chuck Norris dead at 86, damn

— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) March 20, 2026

Man… RIP https://t.co/hIhq97Uxsq

— Matt “The Steamrolla”Frevola (@SteamRollaa) March 20, 2026

Word is Chuck was disappointed with the martial arts instructors in heaven so he decided it’s time to go there and show them what’s up! RIP to the legend though all love and respect https://t.co/3yEWsvQxy0

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 20, 2026

RIP to the grim reaper for having to meet Chuck Norris https://t.co/S62Cg6rv7d

— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) March 20, 2026

SAD DAY! A true martial artist, a true legend.🥋🙏 Before fighting, before all of us… there were guys like Chuck Norris paving the way.
Much respect to a man who helped shape martial arts.#MMA#MartialArts#Respect#Rippic.twitter.com/XnVupaTyjb

— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) March 20, 2026

The martial arts world has lost a legend. RIP Chuck Norris. https://t.co/0Or9jylxS9

— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) March 20, 2026

🐉🕊️Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/EkTdbuT4Gw

— Bruce Lee (@brucelee) March 20, 2026

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: ‘True legend’: MMA community reacts to Chuck Norris’ death