Malaysian Muay Thai fighter dedicates historic ONE Championship win to his father

Malaysian Muay Thai sensation Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib has achieved a historic milestone, clinching the ONE Championship Interim Muay Thai Strawweight World Championship.

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First of all, I want to thank all Malaysians who came to give their support. I had promised to bring this belt home to Malaysia and finally I have fulfilled that promise.

In a career-defining performance at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Aliff knocked out Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao. This victory makes him the first Malaysian athlete ever to secure a world title under the ONE Championship banner, bringing national pride to Malaysia on the international martial arts stage.

Speaking after the fight, Aliff expressed his profound gratitude and joy. "First of all, I want to thank all Malaysians who came to give their support. I had promised to bring this belt home to Malaysia and finally I have fulfilled that promise," he stated. He also dedicated the win to his father, who has been his primary inspiration throughout his career, and thanked his team for their unwavering support during his preparation.

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I also want to thank my team who helped a lot during the preparation. I really tried my best to get this championship and I dedicate this belt to my father.

The historic win also came with a significant financial reward: a $50,000 performance bonus (approximately RM212,000). "Alhamdulillah, it's been over a year since I received a bonus. I am very grateful and happy to finally feel this reward again," Aliff shared, highlighting the long wait for such recognition.

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Alhamdulillah, it's been over a year since I received a bonus. I am very grateful and happy to finally feel this reward again.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim lauded Aliff's achievement as a historic feat capable of inspiring countless young Malaysians. "Hopefully, this historic achievement will inspire more young Malaysians to continue pursuing their dreams with determination, discipline, and high fighting spirit," the Prime Minister commented via social media. "Rest assured, nothing is impossible when effort is accompanied by sincerity and tawakkal. Congratulations, Aliff. Malaysia is proud of this achievement."

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Hopefully, this historic achievement will inspire more young Malaysians to continue pursuing their dreams with determination, discipline, and high fighting spirit.