Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib made history on 24 July by becoming the first Malaysian to win a ONE Championship combat sports title.
The 22-year-old Kelantan-born fighter knocked out Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in the fifth round at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok to claim the ONE Championship interim straw-weight Muay Thai title.
Free Malaysia Today reported that Aliff, the son of former boxer Rakib Ahmad, dominated the fight throughout before finding an opening to knock down the veteran Thai fighter.
Sam-A, a former two-division ONE world champion, was widely regarded as one of the most respected names in world Muay Thai. Aliff’s victory came one minute and nine seconds into the fifth and final round, according to NST.
“I gave my all to win this championship. I went through many challenges and endured a lot of hardship to reach this stage. I dedicate this victory and the belt to my father,” Aliff said after the fight.
The win earned Aliff a US$50,000 (RM214,000) performance bonus. He also became the first Malaysian combat athlete to qualify to compete for a ONE Championship world title, Bernama reported.
Malay Mail reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Aliff on the achievement.
“Nothing is impossible when effort is paired with dedication and faith. Well done, Aliff. Malaysia is proud of this success,” Anwar said in a Facebook post.
The Prime Minister said the victory proved that Malaysian youths have the capability, courage, and determination to compete and excel globally.
The interim title places Aliff on course for a potential title-unification bout against reigning straw-weight Muay Thai champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai. A ONE Championship interim title is a temporary belt awarded when a reigning champion is temporarily unable to defend due to injury or extended inactivity.
