“A hero to billions of people all over the world” - Chatri Sityodtong gives props to legendary Renzo Gracie

ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong got the shock of his life when, in the middle of the ONE 168: Denver live broadcast, none other than legendary martial artist Renzo Gracie surprised him with a black belt in jiu-jitsu.

An emotional Chatri couldn't help but be overcome with tears and gratitude, as Gracie wrapped the black belt around his waist.

Addressing the viewers directly on the mic, the ONE Championship head honcho gave props to Gracie for the massive influence the legend has had on his martial arts journey and professional career.

Chatri said:

"You know, there would be no ONE Championship without Renzo. He came to the very first show. He flew all the way from New York. He was literally in Switzerland yesterday, flew in here. I can't thank him [enough]. This guy is not only a legend, he's a superstar, a hero to billions of people all over the world, an incredible fighter, philosopher."

Chatri also spoke about working hard to achieve his black belt. He added:

"I train MMA five-six times a week, killing myself, fight week, training with all these monsters and beasts. And, you know, I got my brown belt a little over three years ago. And everywhere I fly, train my butt off because I want to represent real martial arts. And yeah, I've been doing Muay Thai for 40 years, but I have been doing jiu-jitsu since 2005. This is the home of martial arts. And it's people like Renzo- thank you, thank you."

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Chatri Sityodtong on getting promoted to BJJ black belt: "I never thought this day would come"

At the end of the day, everything felt surreal for Sityodtong, who couldn't believe it in the heat of the moment that he had just reached the pinnacle of his BJJ journey.

He said:

"In 2005 when I was living in the States, New York City, I walked into Renzo Gracie Academy, the blue basement. Before that, he's been an idol, a hero of mine. And I got my blue belt in 2007 and I kept training and training. I never thought this day would come."

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch a replay of ONE 168: Denver on demand via an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.