BANGKOK: Sarawak’s muaythai ace Rifdean Masdor walked out of Lumpinee Stadium on Friday (Aug 1) night with another win under his belt — this time against 17-year-old Thai upstart Bernueng Sor Salacheep — but walked away still without a contract.
It was a majority decision after three rounds in ONE Friday Fights 118, and the 22-year-old from Kuching looked the part from the start.
He brought the heat early, controlling the pace and landing clean shots. Bernueng had his moments late on, but the damage was done — Rifdean got the nod from two judges.
That puts his official ONE Championship record at 4 wins, 1 loss, all within the span of just over a year.
His only defeat came via majority decision to Petninmungkorn NamkangIceland in January. Since then, he’s bounced back with a TKO win over Nongbia LaoLaneXang in May, and now this.
But here’s the twist: no bonus, no contract.
Despite clearing the usual “three-win” threshold that often triggers a six-figure offer, Rifdean’s yet to land a full-time deal from ONE Championship chief executive officer, Chatri Sityodtong.
It’s a tough pill to swallow — especially for a fighter who’s done everything right inside the ring.
Rifdean made his feelings clear in a post-match interview with Nadi Weekend:
“To Chatri, I want that contract. I’ve done my best, and I will show even more in my next fight, Insha-Allah.”
He’s got the record. He’s got the performances. He’s even got the fans behind him.
From Sarawak to Bangkok, Rifdean’s building a name. The question now? When will ONE finally call it official?
