John Wayne Parr ultimately came up short in his quest to end a legendary career on 100 victories at ONE X. But nobody can take anything away from “The Gunslinger”, who left it all out there on Saturday night in Singapore. The 45-year-old Australian lost a decision to Filipino former MMA champion Eduard Folayang on the main card of Asian martial arts promotion ONE Championship’s 10th anniversary showcase. On his way out of the cage, Parr received a standing ovation befitting his status from the Singapore Indoor Stadium, which had welcomed fans back en masse for the first time since the start of the pandemic. “I just wish I pushed harder,” he told the Post backstage soon after. “I felt I did really well in the third round. I just wish I went harder in the first and second.” “I’m heartbroken. I wanted that win,” he added. “I wanted the 100. Sometimes it just doesn’t go your way. I guess. I’m just the ‘99 guy’ forever now.” Before the fight, Parr had talked up the possibility of potentially delaying retirement again if ONE Championship could reach an agreement with former UFC contender and commentator Dan Hardy to face him. But he was more realistic in the sobering aftermath of a defeat where he looked out of step after a recent hip surgery. ONE X: emotional Stamp, Rodtang reflect on submission losses “Unfortunately, I’m 46 next month,” Parr said. “You know when it’s time. I’ve got a very successful gym. I’ve got lots of students under me, and I’ve got my kids fighting now. “It’s just my time to dedicate more time to them, and push them and try and help them to live the lifestyle I lived for all these years, because there’s no better adventure than going overseas representing your country and to win, and having people cheering your name. There’s no better euphoria or rush. “I just hope I can inspire younger people to get into martial arts and follow their own dreams.” Parr admitted he would love to continue being part of ONE Championship in another capacity now he is retired. “Hopefully the opportunity is there to do something, whether it’s to clean the toilets or empty the bins,” he said, with his trademark sense of humour and self-deprecation. “I’m sure Mr Chatri [Sityodtong, ONE chairman and CEO] needs someone to mop up the blood off the [canvas]. Remember the ‘Bloodsport’ movie where the guy cleans up the blood? That could be me, find the gold tooth.” But beneath the smile lay genuine sadness in Parr, at the thought he had let anyone down. “There’s no greater honour. It’s been a dream of mine for so many years to be a representative of this company, and to finally be here …” Parr told the Post , before pausing and choking up. “I just wish I was more successful in the company, instead of losing. But them’s the breaks.” “I’m just happy that Mr Chatri offered me an opportunity to fight for the company and be a representative of ONE,” he added. “I hope I didn’t disappoint him even though I didn’t get the win. I hope I was not a waste of time.” Whether it takes a few days, a week, or a month, once the disappointment fades, Parr will surely be able to reflect on an outstanding career . “There’s a famous cricketer in Australia, his name is Don Bradman,” Parr said. “He retired on an average of 99 runs, and I guess I’m the Don Bradman of Muay Thai now. He’s a legend, so hopefully even though I didn’t successfully reach my milestone, I’m remembered as someone that had a crack.” “Follow your own path,” he added. “At the end of the day, once it’s all said and done, you don’t want any regrets when you’re older. So live it, love it and enjoy it.”