KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak’s Tempur Jarak Dekat (TJD) fighters made a powerful statement at the Rage MMA Season 2 Grand Final, clinching one gold and two silver medals and showcasing the strength of grassroots talent from East Malaysia on the national stage.
In a statement issued by TJD, the three-man team — Ahmad Khafizulrahman, Syahmi Fakhri, and Muhammad Haziq — put on an electrifying display of strength, strategy, and stamina in front of a roaring crowd.
Khafizulrahman delivered a standout performance to claim the gold medal, while Syahmi and Haziq each secured hard-fought silver finishes in their respective categories.
The team’s participation in the prestigious tournament was made possible through the sponsorship of SAPro Consulting, a firm known for its multidisciplinary operations and diversified services across various industries, including petrochemicals, power, water systems, marine, and renewable energy.
“This fight has opened my eyes to the strengths and weaknesses in my gameplay,” said Ahmad Khafizulrahman, who clinched gold and extended his fight record to a solid 3 wins and 0 losses.
His impressive performance was also named Performance of the Night, earning him a bonus from the organiser.
Syahmi Fakhri, who earned silver, expressed mixed emotions after his match was cut short due to injury.
“For now, I will focus on my recovery and will be back in action soon, insyaAllah. I am beyond thankful to SAPro Consulting for this opportunity. TJD’s participation in this fight became a pleasant experience, as things were made smooth through this sponsorship,” he said.
Haziq, also a silver medalist, showed humility and a growth mindset following an early stoppage to his fight.
“My fight had a rather early stoppage, as I was still able to do other things. But I trust the judgment of the referee and will try to accept it with an open heart.
“There is always room for improvement, as MMA is an ever-evolving sport, and I need to add more skills to my arsenal to become a well-rounded fighter,” he said.
The Rage MMA Season 2 Grand Final marked the pinnacle of an intense season featuring some of the top amateur fighters from across Malaysia and neighbouring countries.
TJD’s performance has once again proven that East Malaysia can go toe-to-toe with the best, bringing regional martial arts talent into the national limelight.
The return of TJD to the Rage MMA scene not only highlights the talent emerging from Sarawak but also signals renewed momentum for grassroots combat sports in Malaysia.