Aliff Rakib Becomes Malaysia’s First ONE Championship Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion

Twenty‑two‑year‑old Aliff Rakib (also known as Aliff Sor Dechapan) captured the ONE Championship interim Strawweight Muay Thai world title on 24 July at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, defeating Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao at 1:09 of the fifth round and earning a US$50,000 performance bonus. The victory marked the first time a Malaysian fighter has won a world title in ONE Championship.

Following the win, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Aliff to the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, praised his achievement as an inspiration for the nation’s youth, and posed for a brief shadow‑boxing photo. The meeting underscored the significance of the triumph for Malaysia’s sporting profile and national pride.