Sarawak-born and bred Muay Thai exponent Mohammad Rifdean Masdor is a renowned fighter who has brought pride to Malaysia with his many wins in the international arena. The three-time world champion recently added another feather to his cap, scoring a smashing victory in his ONE Championship debut last month.
Carving his legacy in Muay Thai
Resilience, determination and perseverance are three of the many ways to describe Muay Thai martial artist Mohammad Rifdean Masdor when he’s in the ring. Proven by his achievements of being a three-time gold winner of the IFMA Senior World Championship in 2021, 2022 and 2023, as well as his latest win in March during the ONE Championship (and many others), Rifdean continues to bulldoze through his opponents in the discipline.
Sharing a story from his younger childhood days, Rifdean recalled learning Muay Thai from his uncle, who saw the potential in him. His uncle, who practised Muay Thai, began building a makeshift Muay Thai gym in the family’s backyard to train. And that only made Rifdean more passionate.
“I started Muay Thai because I was drawn to its dynamic techniques and its reputation for being an effective martial art for self-defence. Ever since I was seven years old, I was attracted to the discipline, mental focus and physical conditioning required in martial arts,” he said.
At 15, he moved from Kuching to Ipoh, Perak, under the tutelage of Coach Bernard Radin, who also hails from Sarawak. There, his endeavour under Coach Bernard Radin had seen momentous improvements as well as opportunities. Now, Rifdean is currently based in Thailand, perfecting his craft under a Thai coach.
Rifdean, however, admitted his transformation from a promising prospect to a professional fighter did not come without challenges.
He explained that among the biggest challenges were rigorous training schedules, mastering complex techniques and dealing with physical pain and injuries. “It’s a bloodsport, so of course bruises are common, and they can be really painful, especially during intense training sessions and competitions. However, the adrenaline and focus during competition often help manage the pain to some extent.”
Nonetheless, he was positive that the martial arts had taught him discipline, resilience and mental fortitude. “Practising Muay Thai also instilled a strong work ethic and the ability to push through physical and mental barriers. Additionally, it promotes respect, humility, and self-control, both inside and outside the gym.”
Thrilling victories
Rifdean recently scored a victory debut at the ONE Championship held in Thailand, which saw him win by a technical knockout (TKO) against a Thai opponent in a match that lasted a little less than two minutes. Asked how he felt about joining the globally renowned organisation, he defined it as an incredible experience.
“I got to meet opponents from different countries, and that added an extra level of excitement and challenge. It was inspiring to see different styles and techniques and to test myself against such diverse competition.”
Previously, during his teenage years, the 21-year-old had fought in the SUKMA games. Having been competing since 2018, he recalled feeling nervous before a competition in his early days. However, over the years, he learned to channel his nervousness into focus and determination.
“Visualising success, staying disciplined in my training, and trusting in my preparation help me overcome these feelings. Comparing my early fights, I’ve gained more confidence and mental resilience now, which has made a significant difference in managing myself during pre-fights.”
More than five years since his first match, Rifdean reminisced about the time when he had thrilling victories, the opportunity to connect with fellow fighters, and learn from each match, whether it was a win or a loss.
“While there may have been tough moments and setbacks, they serve as valuable learning experiences and fuel for improvement. As for cuts and bruises, I obtained several during the competition, but each one serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication I put into my training.”
To him, winning fills him with a sense of pride, accomplishment and gratitude. “It’s the culmination of countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. I owe my achievement to my coaches, training partners, and support network, who have been with me every step of the way.
“Their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my abilities have played a crucial role in my success.”
Rifdean then shared his hope — to achieve one more win and receive a total of US$100,000 in accumulation of his previous wins — a monumental accomplishment. “The target is also a testament to the dedication of my Muay Thai journey.”
Hope to represent Sarawak
Though he has yet to represent Sarawak — his home state — Rifdean hopes to be able to do so in the future. “Growing up, Sarawak has deeply influenced who I am, and it would be an honour for me to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my journey.”
“The decision to train in Perak was motivated by a desire to challenge myself in a different environment and learn from experienced mentors. Additionally, the facilities and resources available in Perak were conducive to my development as an athlete,” he added.
“The experience I gained in Perak has been instrumental in shaping my journey as an athlete. For now, my current focus is on training and honing my skills to the best of my ability, with the hope that one day I can make a meaningful contribution both locally and internationally.”
