5 ONE Championship stars who hung up their gloves in 2022

ONE Championship sadly had to say goodbye to some legendary fighters who retired in 2022. Some phenomenal athletes with backgrounds in MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai left their gloves in the ONE circle this year.

Let's look back at some of these notorious ONE Championship fighters who said farewell to combat sports.

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#5. Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke

After over 350 bouts in Muay Thai, Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke made his debut in ONE Championship's MMA division in 2014. 19 matches later, after seven years in ONE, Dejdamrong is saying goodbye to the sport he loves.

At the age of 44, the Thai-born Dejdamrong leaves behind a powerful legacy. In 2015, he won the inaugural ONE strawweight world title. After putting a record of 12-7 in MMA and 282-65 in Muay Thai, he is hanging up the gloves.

On Instagram earlier this year, he shared:

"This fight is my last fight. Difficulties taught me to fight, never to be afraid of obstacles. I fought with difficulties as a child, but in the fight in the arena, fighters are different. To my heart, I always fight. My body can't go on. We have to accept the truth. Thank you."

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#4. John Wayne Parr

Everyone's favorite gunslinger John Wayne Parr left his gloves in the ONE circle this year. At the age of 46, he left combat sports on a war against Eduard Folayang at ONE X in front of a screaming audience. With tears in his eyes and a heavy heart, he said his final farewell to active competition. His memorable performance against the Filipino MMA legend later earned a US$50,000 bonus as a result of fan voting.

John Wayne Parr is an Australian-born striking legend. He made his professional debut in 1995 and has since collected numerous impressive world titles in Muay Thai and Kickboxing. At the ONE Championship tenth anniversary event, he was looking to earn his 100th win. Unfortunately, will retire with a record of 99-34.

On Instagram, he shared:

"Thank you [ONE Championship] all the staff and Mr [Chatri Sityodtong] for the greatest memories I could ask for to finish my career with. Lastly thank you to everyone for your messages of support. Words can’t describe how humbled I am for everyone’s kind words."

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#3. Mehdi Zatout

The 38-year-old French-Algerian striker should look back fondly on his impressive career. Mehdi Zatout made his professional debut in 2006 and called it a career in 2022.

After earning titles in ISKA and WBC Muay Thai, he made his debut in ONE Championship in 2018 and even managed to fight for the Muay Thai world title at one point.

After capturing a win against American-born striker Asa Ten Pow, Mehdi Zatout is happy to leave with a win. He even won a $50,000 performance bonus for this victory. In his post-fight interview, Zatout said:

“I promised my wife, my mom, if I win, I have to stop [fighting]. I think, for sure, this is my last fight ... It’s amazing, you know, martial arts gave me more than 27 years of hard work and discipline, and I learned a lot, making me who I am. I want to thank martial arts because martial arts gave me everything for my life, the education of my kids, everything."

Watch his post-fight interview below:

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#2. Cosmo Alexandre

Brazil's 'Good Boy' Cosmo Alexandre has had one of the most impressive combat sports careers that one can have. The Brazilian striker is a seven-time Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion, showcasing his talents in various parts of the world.

Since making his debut in 2004, he has collected thunderous knockout wins in kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and even boxing. Alexandre is feared for his striking power.

At ONE on Prime Video 4, Alexandre retired from the sport with a victory. In his post-fight interview, he said:

“I believe this is my last fight. I’m really happy to finish my career here Chatri, I really appreciate it ... But I believe this is my last fight. I knew it would be my last fight, and so many friends are sending messages saying they’re praying for me.”

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#1. Brandon 'The Truth' Vera - Former ONE Championship Heavyweight World Titleholder

MMA fans will sorely miss Bradon 'The Truth' Vera. In his 20-year-long career, Vera has fought all around the globe. The 45-year-old fighter was a former ONE heavyweight world champion of which he won the inaugural world title in 2015.

Vera has put together a record of 16-10. The Filipino fighter battled heavy-hitting stars such as Amir Aliakbari, Arjan Bhullar, and Aung La N Sang in his final three bouts in the ONE Championship circle. Following his match with Aliakbari at ONE 164, he made good on his promise of hanging up his gloves if he could not claim a knockout victory.

On Instagram, Vera said goodbye to the sport he loves:

"Thank you guys, thank you everyone for the overwhelming support. It’s been an amazing ride. Im glad you were part of the journey. Love you all!"

ONE Championship will be making new legends in 2023. ONE Championship kicks off its 2023 lineup with ONE on Prime Video 6 on January 13. All ONE on Prime Video events are free to North American fans with a Prime Video subscription.