3 ONE Championship stars that retired in 2022

The year 2022 for ONE Championship was the biggest in many aspects.

The promotion significantly increased its roster of submission grapplers, added a number of new World Titles, and made its streaming debut on Amazon Prime Video Sports.

But along with those significant acquisitions, a number of cherished ONE Championship competitors called it quits after successful careers. Here are three ONE Championship stars that retired in the year 2022.

John Wayne Parr

John Wayne Parr achieved more than enough over his illustrious and protracted career to merit the moniker "The Gunslinger," according to Australian fans' favourites.

The affable demeanour and firebrand-hitting style of the Muay Thai stylist won him a devoted following throughout the globe, making him the ideal addition to ONE Championship in 2021.

The former WMC Muay Thai World Champion left a lasting impression on the combat sports community and ended his career with an unforgettable post-fight interview versus Eduard Folayang at ONE X in March.

Even though he lost to Folayang, the Australian's performance enthralled spectators and brought in an additional US$50,000 via a fan vote performance bonus.

Cosmo Alexandre

Popular Brazilian knockout artist Cosmo Alexandre has participated in and witnessed almost every combat sport there is.

In the ONE Championship Circle, "Good Boy" participated in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA, never in a dull bout and thrilling spectators with his tremendous power and aggressive style.

In a Muay Thai match last November at ONE on Prime Video 4, Alexandre defeated Juan Cervantes to keep his organization-leading 100% finishing rate.

The 40-year-old veteran announced to the crowd that he was formally retiring from professional competition after the match. Nevertheless, highlight films featuring Alexandre's countless knockouts will surely continue to exist for years to come.

Brandon Vera

Brandon Vera has achieved more than most athletes in the ONE Championship.

The Filipino-American boxer made his professional debut in 2014 and went on a winning streak of four straight fights to win the ONE Heavyweight World Title. He then twice successfully defended the title until falling to the current divisional champion Arjan Bhullar.

Vera, a good wrestler and a gifted Muay Thai striker, regularly astounded spectators with his fight-ending strength (he finished each of his ONE Championship victories by way of first-round knockout) and astonishing athleticism for a heavyweight fighter.

"The Truth," who was adored by his fervent Filipino fan following, formally announced his departure after his farewell bout at ONE 164 in Manila earlier this month. He may now ride off into retirement with the knowledge that he was one of the company's top stars.

What are your thoughts on the retirement of these stars? Let us know in the comments below.

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