MALAYSIA'S MOHAMMAD RIFDEAN MASDOR SECURES SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN AT ONE CHAMPIONSHIP IN BANGKOK

BANGKOK, July 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Muay Thai exponent Mohammad Rifdean Masdor achieved another first round victory on Friday, his second consecutive win at the ONE Championship, currently taking place at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. 

The 21-year-old Sarawakian pulled off a surprise by knocking out (KO) Thai fighter Petaek Sitbigjasskonrakpathum in the first round of their 113-pound catchweight Muay Thai match at the ONE Friday Fights 71 event. 

Rifdean, representing the Bangkok-based Sor Sommai team, expressed his happiness as his parents and friends were present to witness his victory.

"I am happy as I did not feel any pressure and just did my best to win the match. With God's blessing, I clinched my second win. It is my dream to secure the prestigious ONE Championship contract worth US$100,000 and claim the coveted championship belt," he told Bernama on Friday.

Rifdean, who also received a bonus of 350,000 baht (RM45,150) last night, thanked his coach Bernard Radin, the Perak state government, and the Muay Thai Association, for their support in helping him achieve success.

"I have been training hard and maintaining discipline to qualify for the ONE contract. Now I am looking forward to my next fight," he said.

During his ONE Championship debute last March, Rifdean, a three-time world champion in the under-23 category, beat Thailand’s Pichai Lookbanmai in just 78 seconds via a technical knockout (TKO) in their 112-pound catchweight Muay Thai match at the ONE Friday Fights 56.

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a traditional martial art and combat sport originating from Thailand. It is often referred to as "The Art of Eight Limbs" because it utilises eight points of contact: fists, elbows, knees, and shins - a distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other martial arts, which use fewer points of contact.

-- BERNAMA