- George Chung
- Sep 11, 2024
- 2 min read
ONE Championship had a banner night inside the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, for ONE 168: Denver. ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 closed the show by grabbing the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title from Jonathan Haggerty with a stunning KO.
However, he was not the only one to get a belt at ONE 168.
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt live on the broadcast by Renzo Gracie.
Sityodtong was visibly emotional about earning the honor and detailed the story of how he began training at Gracie’s gym in 2005. For over nearly 20 years, the ONE Chairman and CEO has continued to train and improve upon his craft as a martial artist.
“When I first stepped into your school in 2005 while I was living in New York City, I had no idea that it would mark the beginning of the biggest adventure of my life. As you already know, both ONE and EVOLVE would never have been born without you. You inspire me to dream more, do more, and be more in life,” Sityodtong wrote on Instagram to Gracie.
“Through jiu-jitsu, I have learned not only how to fight, but more importantly how to live. I will continue to honor you and the Gracie name in everything I do. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, Renzo!!!”
The black belt symbolizes the hard work and dedication Sityodtong has put into BJJ over the years. Sityodtong is not just a suit at the helm of ONE, but a martial artist himself who is committed to constant improvement on the mat and in his personal life.
The surprising moment was another highlight of ONE’s return to U.S. soil and its consistent dedication to elevating all martial arts across the world.
