Sacrifices are part of choosing a fighting career, but sometimes they cut too deep. That’s the reality for 22-year-old Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak, who chose retirement after battling depression tied to family struggles.

The 22-year-old hung up her gloves after a first-round loss to Yu Yau Pai at ONE Fight Night 41, ending her six-year career. In a backstage confession, Anna revealed that this decision had been coming for a long time.

“I was going to retire eight years ago,” she told the Bangkok Post. At that time, my parents were going to break up. I was a kid, and I wanted them to stay together. That’s why I fought until now.”

She believed that continuing her MMA career would save her family. “I just wanted them to be proud, to be happy,” she said. “I did it for everyone else. But now I’m too tired and look at myself, like, ‘What about me?”

She debuted in ONE Championship in 2020 at 16 and quickly became a star, but behind the scenes, the emotional toll kept building.

“In the last two or three years, I have had panic attacks,” she said. “I could not sleep and had bad depression.”

SuperGirl revealed that retirement had already been decided before she faced Yu Yau Pai, and the result wouldn’t have mattered whether she won or lost. However, she believes that it will give her peace now.

Supergirl Chooses Gratitude as She Turns the Page

During her panic episodes, her boyfriend, Thai MMA fighter Peter Danesoe, helped her start reconsidering her future. “He told me I could still work hard and help people, help animals,” she said.

However, after giving her best years to the sport, she realized she’s no longer chasing the money and fame that once came with fighting; now, all she wants is peace. “I have food, I have a house, I have a car. That’s enough for me,” she said.

She later concluded by saying that Muay Thai is what she loves, but she needs to stop fighting. “I don’t hate Muay Thai,” she said. I love Muay Thai in my life. But I just don’t want to fight now."

Before stepping away, Anna Jaroonsak built an impressive reputation as one of the youngest striking prospects in ONE Championship. The 22-year-old thus leaves the sport as a notable fighter who represented Thailand’s striking tradition to a global audience.

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for all things fitness!

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Joyita Das