‘A Deeply Meaningful Honor’ – Aliff Sor Dechapan Meets Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim After World Title Triumph
ONE Championship’s first Malaysian World Champion, Aliff Sor Dechapan, is still basking in the glow of last week’s historic win, and now there’s even more reason to celebrate.
The newly crowned ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion – accompanied by his parents – received a hero’s welcome from Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.
That welcome traces directly back to what unfolded inside Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium last Friday, July 24, where the 22-year-old knockout artist wrote a defining chapter for Malaysian sports.
Aliff finished the legendary Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at the 1:09 mark of the fifth round of their epic World Title main event showdown at The Inner Circle 23 to claim the 26 pounds of gold, a spot in the record books, and a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
The Malaysian Prime Minister had rallied the nation behind the Sor Dechapan product in the lead-up to the fight, which was broadcast exclusively to subscribers at live.onefc.com, and Thursday’s visit carried that same spirit forward.
They even shared a lighthearted moment, as they shadowboxed together at his administrative office in Putrajaya. It was a small but symbolic gesture between the head of government and the athlete who had just given Malaysia its sweetest martial arts moment yet.
The Kuala Lumpur-based star, who moved his career record to 63-9 after earning his sixth highlight-reel triumph in the world’s largest martial arts organization, clearly did not take the moment lightly. He shared a few pictures from the meeting on his Instagram account, alongside a warm message that captured just how much it meant to him.
Aliff wrote:
“Alhamdulillah, today I had the opportunity to meet YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, in Putrajaya. It was a deeply meaningful honor for me and serves as a source of inspiration to keep fighting and bringing glory to Malaysia’s name on the global stage.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for and support my journey. God willing, I will continue to give the best for my country.”
Anwar’s Message To The Nation
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was among the very first to publicly celebrate Aliff Sor Dechapan’s achievement in the immediate aftermath of the win, leading an outpouring of national pride that swept across Malaysia.
The Malaysian Prime Minister was equally glad to extend that same warmth in person, sharing the moment on his own Instagram page following the meeting with the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion in Putrajaya.
Anwar wrote:
“I welcomed Aliff Rakib to my office today and congratulated him on his historic achievement of becoming the first Malaysian to clinch the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in ONE Championship.
“This success not only brings glory to Malaysia on the international stage but also demonstrates that our nation’s youth possess the capability, discipline, and fighting spirit to compete against the world’s best.”
The Prime Minister closed his post with a message aimed at reaching every young Malaysian watching a World Champion rise from their own backyard.
Anwar’s words captured the scale of this sporting moment – not only for Aliff, but for an entire generation searching for proof that big dreams are within reach.
He continued:
“May this achievement inspire more young people to pursue their dreams with determination, commitment, and unwavering perseverance. Well done, Aliff Rakib, Malaysia is proud of this success.”
