Malaysia’s Prime Minister Rallies A Nation Behind Aliff Sor Dechapan
A nation’s hopes now rest on the shoulders of a 22-year-old fighting for something far bigger than a belt. Even the country’s Prime Minister has taken notice.
Aliff Sor Dechapan meets Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship in the main event of The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24. The card streams live from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium in Asia primetime.
A win would make Aliff the first Malaysian in history to claim a ONE World Championship, a milestone that has drawn public support from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. It is not the first time Anwar has thrown his weight behind the country’s combat sports scene.
The Prime Minister welcomed teenage knockout artist Johan Ghazali to his office in Putrajaya last October, a meeting that underlined his growing interest in Malaysian fighters. That same support now extends to Aliff, who stands one win away from delivering the nation its first ONE gold.
Anwar took to Instagram to voice his support publicly, urging fellow Malaysians to tune in for what he called a landmark sporting moment.
“Let us rally behind Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib as he competes for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship title this Friday,” Anwar wrote.
“Aliff Rakib has made history as the first Malaysian combat athlete to qualify for a shot at this title. May he continue to bring glory to Malaysia and inspire the younger generation to achieve success on a global stage.”
Aliff carries a five-bout winning streak into Friday’s assignment, a run that includes the 62nd victory of his career over Ramadan Ondash at ONE Fight Night 38 this past December. It marked his ninth win since debuting for the promotion in April 2023.
The Kuala Lumpur-based fighter has made clear that his motivation extends well beyond his own name.
“I am not fighting for myself alone. I am fighting for my country. I have one dream – to bring the belt home and make history,” Aliff said.
“I hope for the prayers and support of the entire nation. God willing, I will give my all to become the first fighter to bring that championship home for my country.”
READ MORE: Ryujin Nasukawa Steps Out From His Brother’s Shadow At The Inner Circle 23
Recent posts
