Legendary action-movie star and martial artist Chuck Norris died Thursday. He was 86.
Norris, who rose to prominence thanks to his martial-arts expertise, eventually found stardom as an action-movie star, appearing in films like “The Delta Force,” “The Expendables 2” and the popular television program “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
But Norris’ breakout role, the one that made everything possible, was his appearance in “The way of the dragon,” in which he fought Bruce Lee.
While his movie career sometimes took him away from martial arts, he never strayed too far from his fighting ability. For that reason, a number of MMA fighters paid tribute to Norris on Friday, lauding the movie star for his martial arts ability.
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
Damn… RIP 🙏🏼👊🏼 https://t.co/LsOE15IzGs
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 20, 2026
Chuck Norris dead at 86, damn
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) March 20, 2026
— Mike Pierce (@MikePierce170) March 20, 2026
Even the WWE got into the act, paying tribute to Norris on social media.
WWE is saddened to learn that legendary Hollywood actor and pop culture icon Chuck Norris has passed away.
WWE extends its condolences to Norris’ family, friends, and fans.https://t.co/kOWkG60AgSpic.twitter.com/dZdR6xBoq1
— WWE (@WWE) March 20, 2026
Some even decided to add a humorous tinge to their tributes, paying homage to the “Chuck Norris facts” meme that was popular in the 2000s.
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
This story will be updated.
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