Aliff becomes first Malaysian to win ONE Championship title
Malaysian fighter Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib has become the first Malaysian to win a ONE Championship title after defeating Sam-A Gaiyanghadao. The victory earned him the interim straw-weight Muay Thai belt and a $50,000 bonus.
Why it matters
This represents a significant milestone for Malaysian combat sports on the international stage.
Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib secured the victory with a fifth-round knockout against Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to clinch the interim straw-weight (52.3-56.7kg) Muay Thai title. (Muaythai Malaysia Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: National Muay Thai fighter Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib became the first Malaysian to win a ONE Championship combat sports title after defeating Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in Bangkok tonight.
Aliff, 22, secured the victory with a fifth-round knockout against Sam-A to clinch the interim straw-weight (52.3-56.7kg) Muay Thai title, reported Harian Metro.
A ONE Championship interim title is a temporary championship belt awarded when a reigning world champion is temporarily unable to defend their title due to reasons like injury or extended inactivity
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