ONE Championship’s CEO Chatri Sityodtong received a surprising honor from Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie. During the live broadcast of the event, Gracie approached Sityodtong and presented him with a black belt in BJJ, catching the martial arts executive completely off guard.
The emotional moment unfolded in front of a captivated audience as Sityodtong, visibly moved, accepted the prestigious rank. Known for his dedication to martial arts, particularly Muay Thai, Sityodtong has been quietly honing his BJJ skills for years.
The two got eerily close and even got memed together.
Speaking to announcer Mitch ‘The Dragon’ Chilson, Sityodtong recounted his journey: “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 kept training and training. I never thought this day would come.”
The significance of this promotion extends beyond personal achievement for Sityodtong. He credits Gracie with playing a crucial role in the foundation of ONE Championship, revealing, “There would be no ONE Championship without Renzo. He came to the very first show. He flew all the way from New York.”
This move comes just after a day after ONE FC removed Renzo Gracie lineage black belt, Garry Tonon from ONE Championship’s featherweight rankings. Known for his grappling expertise and a 9-1 MMA record, Tonon has been a standout figure in ONE. Rumors of a potential move to the UFC have surfaced, fueled by comments from Eddie Bravo, although ONE’s contract structure, which includes matching rights, could complicate such a transition.
Tonon’s recent early exit at the ADCC adds to the uncertainty surrounding his career trajectory. This news coincides with broader concerns about ONE Championship’s financial health, with some suggesting a shift in focus toward more cost-effective combat sports amid funding challenges.
BJJ legend Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida has also voiced his frustration with ONE Championship, revealing he hasn’t fought in over a year despite being ready to compete. In a candid Instagram post, Buchecha dismissed rumors of retirement, stating that his inactivity is not by choice and describing the situation as one that “sucks.” His concerns reflect a broader issue within ONE, with other stars also reporting extended periods of inactivity. The lack of opportunities raises questions about ONE’s management, fighter treatment, and possible shift toward focusing on Muay Thai and kickboxing events amidst financial difficulties.
Gracie’s commitment to supporting Sityodtong and ONE Championship was further emphasized by his presence at the Denver event. Despite being in Switzerland just a day prior.
Sityodtong didn’t hold back his admiration for Gracie, stating, “This guy is not a legend, he’s a superstar, a hero to billions of people all over the world, an incredible fighter, philosopher.”
