‘Nothing Is Impossible’ – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Leads Nation In Celebrating Aliff’s ONE World Title Win
The 22-year-old became the first-ever Malaysian ONE World Champion at The Inner Circle 23 on July 24.
By Vijay Kumar
Jul 27, 2026, 09:44 UTC
Malaysia has its first-ever ONE World Champion, and the nation’s highest office has been quick to celebrate the monumental achievement.
Young striking phenom Aliff Sor Dechapan etched his name into the history books by defeating Muay Thai living legend and former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao via a spectacular fifth-round knockout to claim the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title.
The changing-of-the-guard clash headlined The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24, at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, which was available for members at live.onefc.com.
It was Aliff’s first World Title fight and the very first time he had ever entered the championship rounds. The Malaysian prodigy spectacularly rose to the occasion, maintaining a relentless pace across all five stanzas before delivering a stunning finish.
In the final frame, he dropped the legendary Sam-A with a stinging right hand. The 42-year-old veteran bravely answered the referee’s count and climbed back to his feet, only to walk into another crushing right hand that definitively ended the contest at the 1:09 mark.
The landmark victory improved Aliff’s overall professional record to 63-9 and his ONE slate to an impressive 10-2, rightfully earning him a US$50,000 performance bonus. An intense in-ring faceoff with reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK immediately followed, perfectly setting the stage for a massive unification bout between the two divisional kings.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who had actively rallied his countrymen to tune in and support Aliff ahead of the historic bout, was among the very first to publicly offer his congratulations.
He said:
“Congratulations to Aliff Rakib on making history as the first Malaysian to become a ONE Championship World Champion.
“This achievement not only brings pride to the nation but also proves that Malaysia’s young people possess the ability, courage, and determination to compete and succeed on the world stage.”
The newly crowned interim champion arrived in the ONE Friday Fights event series back in 2023 as a relative unknown. In just three short years, he has not only carved out a fearsome reputation on the global stage but successfully carried the flag of an entire nation to the absolute summit of his sport.
The Prime Minister also highlighted how Aliff’s remarkable journey serves to inspire an entire generation, representing far more than just a historic sporting achievement.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered:
“May this historic accomplishment inspire more young Malaysians to pursue their dreams with determination, discipline, and an unwavering fighting spirit. Believe that nothing is impossible when hard work is combined with dedication and faith in God.
“Well done, Aliff. Malaysia is proud of your achievement.”
Malaysian Ambassador To Thailand Joins The Chorus Of National Pride
The high-level adulation certainly did not stop at the Prime Minister’s office.
Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Thailand, also made his voice heard in the emotional aftermath of the historic title victory. He offered his deepest congratulations to the newly crowned champion on behalf of the Embassy and the passionate Malaysian supporters who had rallied behind Aliff throughout his arduous journey.
Speaking ringside following Aliff’s victory, Ambassador Abdullah said:
“I’m here to give the support and of course to congratulate the new champion, Mr. Aliff Rakib. Congratulations to him. And we came with the full hope that he will win and he has won it. So congratulations again to him.
“On behalf of the Embassy and the Malaysian supporters here, I am also taking this opportunity to congratulate him for his win today.”
Looking ahead, the Ambassador made it abundantly clear that Malaysia is ready to welcome its newest sporting hero home in the grandest possible fashion, with a massive dream scenario already in mind for the future.
He concluded:
“If ONE Championship can make the arrangement, we welcome him to fight in Malaysia, especially to face another champion.”
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