WATCH: Demetrious Johnson applauds Superlek Kiatmoo9 backstage after stunning elbow knockout of Jonathan Haggerty
The ONE 168: Denver card held at the Ball Arena in Colorado was a massive success this past weekend. It was not only a night of martial arts extravaganza but also a celebration of Superlek Kiatmoo9's triumph and Demetrious Johnson's new chapter in his life.
For Superlek, it was a celebration of his triumph against Jonathan Haggerty, whom he knocked out in the opening round to become a two-sport and two-division world champion, while Johnson has sailed off the sunset of his professional career by retiring from mixed martial arts.
In an incredibly wholesome moment backstage following the conclusion of the card, 'Mighty Mouse' congratulated 'The Kicking Machine' for an outstanding performance, and ONE Championship posted this on their Instagram account.
They wrote the clip's caption with:
"Legendary respect 🐐 Demetrious Johnson congratulates Superlek on his KO win at ONE 168: Denver! Can anyone stop "The Kicking Machine?" @mighty @superlek789"
This triumph by Superlek has allowed him to join an exclusive club of fighters, win two world titles in the world's largest martial arts organization, and extend his win streak to 11.
On the other hand, Johnson's retirement has made him the first inductee to ONE Championship's Hall of Fame.
Superlek cheers up good friend Liam Harrison after loss to Seksan Or Kwanmuang
Johnson wasn't the only fighter to retire during the event, as British combat sports superstar and former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title challenger Liam Harrison officially hung up the gloves after his second-round TKO loss at the hands of fellow legend Seksan Or Kwanmuang in the co-main event of the card.
Despite going out on a losing note, the Kiatmoo9 Gym representative says that the 'Hitman' should not be ashamed of it because he has done a lot more for the sport, especially for the next generation of fighters.
Superlek shared these thoughts in a recent interview with Nick Atkin by saying:
"Liam doesn't have to be sad. He is an absolute legend and an amazing role model and an example for future fighters of the sport."
North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch all the action from ONE 168: Denver via the free event replay.