KUCHING: When the name Mohd Rifdean Masdor is mentioned, it sends ripples through the fighting community.
This powerhouse from Sarawak has quickly become a household name in the combat sports scene, and he’s ready to bring his fierce, relentless energy back to the ring for his third fight at the ONE Championship.
On Jan 10, he will step into the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, ready to face Thailand’s Petninmungkorn in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
Rifdean’s rise, representing Sor Sommai Headhunter Academy in Ipoh, has been nothing short of meteoric.
In just his debut last year, the 22-year-old Muay Thai sensation shattered expectations, obliterating Thai fighter Pichai Lookbanmai in a blistering 79secs with a Technical Knockout (TKO).
That was just the beginning, he followed up with another dominant TKO victory over Petaek Sitbigjasskonrakpathum, proving that he’s not here to play — he’s here to dominate.
A fighter of his calibre is built on more than just raw power; Rifdean’s accolades speak for themselves.
He has conquered some of the toughest arenas in the world. He’s the IFMA Muay Thai Senior World Champion U23 2023 in Thailand (-51kg), IFMA Muay Thai Senior World Champion U23 2022 in Abu Dhabi (-48kg), and the IFMA Muay Thai Senior World Champion U23 2021 in Thailand (-48kg).
Not to mention, he’s the IFMA Junior World Champion 2019 in Turkey (-45kg), SEA Games Gold Medalist in the Philippines 2019 (-45kg), and a two-time SUKMA Gold Medalist in 2018 and 2022.
This fighter’s resume reads like a legacy in the making. Now, as he steps back into the ONE Championship ring, all eyes are on him to see if he can continue to cement his name as one of the sport’s rising stars.
The countdown is on, and the fight is about to get real.
