Muay Thai star Aliff to challenge idol Prajanchai for world title
KUALA LUMPUR: Muay Thai rising star Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib is over the moon after earning a shot at the ONE Championship world title, just two years after breaking onto the scene.
The 21-year-old has been on a sensational rise since bursting into the spotlight in 2023 with four straight wins in ONE's Friday Fight Night series — three of them by knockout, each earning him a US$10,000 (RM42,150) bonus.
His stunning performances earned him a US$100,000 (RM421,500) contract with ONE.
Despite suffering two losses, Aliff bounced back with another four-fight winning streak, including a knockout of Moroccan Zakaria El Jamari, which netted him a US$50,000 (RM210,750) bonus.
Aliff then impressed in his latest outing, defeating Zakaria's younger brother Elmehdi via unanimous decision on Saturday in Bangkok, a win that secured his spot as the next challenger to ONE strawweight world champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai.
"It's unbelievable. I didn't expect to be fighting for the world title this soon," said Aliff, speaking at the launch of his new gym in Setapak recently.
"It's going to be a tough fight, but I'll do my best to show that a Malaysian can go toe-to-toe with the world's best."
Born in Kelantan, Aliff began training in Thailand at just 14.
Growing up, he looked up to Prajanchai, a decorated Thai fighter and world champion long before Aliff stepped into the ring.
"Prajanchai is experienced and incredibly fast — that's his biggest strength. But I believe I can beat him," added Aliff, who now holds a 9-1 Muay Thai record in ONE.
The title bout is expected to take place in September.
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