KUCHING: National muaythai athlete Rifdean ‘Magic Boy’ Masdor’s long wait is finally over.
The Sarawak-born fighter nets the coveted US$100,000 ONE Championship contract after knocking out Iran’s Javad Mozafari in the opening round of their atomweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 159 and The Inner Circle 19 in Bangkok on Friday (June 19).
The brutal finish extended Rifdean’s winning streak to five fights and secured the biggest reward of his professional career, officially earning him a place on ONE Championship’s main roster.
It was a moment more than two years in the making.
Since making his promotional debut in March 2024, the 23-year-old national muaythai athlete has steadily built his reputation as one of Malaysia’s most exciting striking prospects, boasting a 7-1 record while producing a string of highlight-reel finishes.
Yet despite the victories, the contract remained elusive.
Last August, Rifdean openly appealed for an opportunity after defeating Thailand’s Bernueng Sor Salacheep at Lumpinee Stadium.
“To Chatri, I want that contract. I’ve done my best, and I will show even more in my next fight, Insya-Allah,” he said at the time.
And tonight, he delivered on that promise.
Facing Mozafari, Rifdean wasted little time imposing himself before producing another trademark finish just 1 minute and 34 seconds into the opening round.
The knockout left little doubt over his readiness for the next level.
Moments later, ONE Championship chairman and chief executive officer Chatri Sityodtong entered the ring to award the Malaysian the US$100,000 contract he had spent years chasing.
The deal places Rifdean alongside fellow Malaysians Johan Ghazali and Aliff Sor Dechapan on ONE Championship’s global roster and opens the door to bigger opportunities against some of the world’s top Muay Thai athletes.
Ahead of the contest, Rifdean had backed himself to seize the moment.
“I think I’m the dangerous one. For this fight, I’m 100 per cent healthy and my body feels good,” he said.
The confidence was justified.
Two years after first stepping onto the ONE Friday Fights stage, the national muaythai athlete finally has the contract he always believed would come.
