KUALA LUMPUR: Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib etched his name into Malaysian sporting history after becoming the nation’s first ONE Championship Muaythai world champion by knocking out Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to win the Interim ONE Strawweight Muaythai World Championship at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday.
The 22-year-old stopped one of the sport’s most decorated names in the fifth round to complete the biggest victory of his professional career at Muaythai’s most revered venue.
Fighting in front of Sam-A’s home supporters, Aliff refused to be overawed by the occasion as he matched the Thai veteran throughout the five-round contest before landing the decisive blow in the final round to silence the Bangkok crowd.
The triumph carries added significance given Sam-A’s stature in the sport. The Thai icon has held multiple world titles across Muay Thai and kickboxing during a professional career spanning more than three decades, cementing his place as one of the discipline’s most respected figures.
Speaking after the bout, Aliff thanked Malaysians who travelled to Bangkok to support him and dedicated the victory to his father.
“First of all, I would like to thank all Malaysians who came to support me. I promised that I would bring this belt back to Malaysia, and I will bring it home.
“I worked as hard as I could to win this championship. I went through many challenges and sacrifices to reach this stage. I dedicate this victory and the belt to my father,” he said in a post-fight interview.
The Malaysian also received a US$50,000 (RM214,000) performance bonus following his victory, ending a wait of more than a year since his last bonus.
“Alhamdulillah, I haven’t received a bonus in more than a year. I am very happy to receive this bonus,” he added.
