WATCH: Superlek poses for photo with father after winning vacant ONE flyweight kickboxing world title

For the first time in history, 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9 had his father present at one of his matches, and it was the biggest of his career. The Thai athlete recently captured the ONE flyweight kickboxing world championship.

After getting his hand raised and adorned with gold at ONE Fight Night 6, the 27-year-old fighter and his father shared a moment which was posted on Instagram:

"Family is forever 🙏."

With the ONE flyweight kickboxing world championship around his waist, 'The Kicking Machine' bowed to his father and family. They then all posed together with the belt.

'The Kicking Machine' and his father had nearly no contact for most of his life. He has 164 bouts to his name but his father has only seen one of them.

During the pre-fight press conference, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong explained the situation:

"For the fans who don’t know, Superlek and his father have been estranged and his father has never seen [him] fight and this is the first time that he’s made the effort to come and honor Superlek in his kickboxing fight. The father’s here. It’s a very emotional moment between father and son."

Superlek's father said:

"I’m very happy I’m going to see my son fight. I’m very proud. This is the first time I’m going to see him fight."

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Superlek becomes the new ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion

At ONE Fight Night 6, Thailand's 'The Kicking Machine' was able to capture the ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion in a five-round war against Spain's Daniel Puertas. To make the win even better, the event was hosted in his home nation of Thailand.

After the match, while speaking inside the circle, he said:

"I’ve never been careless towards any of my opponents ever, so I was confident."

Referring to his next world title challenger, he added:

"I am not protective of this belt. Whoever wants to take this, come and take this from me."

Combat sports pundits and fans are no doubt looking forward to seeing more of 'The Kicking Machine' in the ONE circle soon. It seems likely that the Thai athlete will look to defend his throne against fighting phenom Rodtang Jitmuangnon later this year.