"I never thought this day would come" - Chatri Sityodtong surprised to receive black belt from Renzo Gracie mid-broadcast

ONE 168 was always going to be a massive night for Chatri Sityodtong and the rest of the ONE Championship team.

Following ONE Fight Night 10 in Broomfield last year, the promotion returned to the United States with its second event in Colorado. This time around, the Ball Arena in Denver played host to the circle, with an unforgettable night of action being served up by some of the best martial artists on the planet.

Though the fights and the event delivered, there was another incredibly special moment for the ONE boss that caught him off guard.

Sityodtong was stopped midway through the broadcast as a martial arts legend, Renzo Gracie, had the honor of awarding him his black belt.

It was an emotional moment for the lifelong martial artist who, in this moment, reflected on what it meant to him to receive this from someone whom he had admired for a long time:

"In 2005 when I was living in the States, New York City, I walked into the 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."

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Chatri Sityodtong left Denver with a lot to take from this event

Regardless of what happened inside the circle at ONE 168, receiving his black belt made this night a historic one for Chatri Sityodtong.

Across this one event, there were so many talking points in what proved to be a massive night for ONE Championship. From finally reaching this goal of his to watching some incredible performances, it was a busy trip for the promotion's head honcho.

Not to mention inducting the first fighter into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame after MMA icon Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement in front of the Denver audience.

The full replay of ONE 168 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.