Rifdean sets sights on ONE Championsip deal and belt

FOLLOWING a stunning debut at the ONE Championship in Bangkok on Friday, National Muay Thai exponent Mohammad Rifdean Masdor has set his sights on securing the prestigious ONE Championship contract worth US$100,000 (RM478,000) and claiming the coveted championship belt.

The 21-year-old Muay Thai exponent from Sarawak finished off Pichai Lookbanmai from Thailand in 78 seconds via a technical knockout (TKO) in their 112-pound catchweight Muay Thai battle at the ONE Friday Fights 56 event at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.

The Malaysian mauler who represents Sor Sommai based in Bangkok also bagged a bonus of 350,000 baht (RM45,600).

“I am very happy with my debut in ONE Championship. I feel a sense of relief. This victory will certainly fuel my confidence in upcoming fights,” he told Bernama.

Rifdean who has been crowned world champion in the U-23 age category three times also set himself a target to clinching the ONE Championship contract worth US$100,000 by this year.

“My ultimate goal is to be a ONE Championship champion,” he said.

At present, Malaysians Johan Ghazali Zulfikar and Nor Iman Aliff Rakib have secured a ONE Championship contract of US$100,000.

Meanwhile, Rifdean said he intensified his training for two months at Sor Sommai in Bangkok before his debut.

“I did my best and follow the game plan by Coach Bernard Radin, and win,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bernard said Rifdean delivered an electrifying performance showcasing his skills and determination in his debut, fulfilling their game plan of a TKO victory in the first round.

“I’m confident Rifdean can secure not only the ONE Championship contract, but also the ONE Championship belt… I’m confident it won’t be too long,” he told Bernama.

Rifdean need to secure three consecutive wins in the ONE Championship to get the contract and when asked why there was a delay in Rifdean’s participation in the ONE Championship, Bernard said “we exerted our best efforts, however, no luck”.

“Now, we are here to fight. It is Rifdean’s dream to embark on this journey. I tell Rifdean it is the moment we have waited for. Go and show the world what you’re made of,” he said. – Bernama