Aliff Sor Dechapan Gets Malaysia Prime Minister Support Ahead Of Inner Circle 23 Title Bid

Aliff Sor Dechapan will challenge multi-time ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle 23 on July 24, live on onefc.com. The 23-year-old Thai-Malaysian says the bout is his era-defining chance.

Representing Sor Dechapan, Aliff enters with an overall striking record of 62-9 and a ONE record of 9-2. Five of his wins have come by finish. Sam-A brings a long championship record and the status of a veteran legend into the fight.

Aliff backs himself for title shot

Aliff said facing Sam-A has added to his drive in training. "Now, getting to fight Sam-A has made me excited. He is so skilled, which gives me extra motivation and drives me to train even harder. Sam-A is great, but this is now my era," Aliff said.

He said he is focused on performance before thinking about the wider effect of victory. "I'm curious to see how much my life will change if I succeed, but before getting there, my sole duty is to perform at my absolute best and bring this belt home," he said.

Malaysia's Prime Minister backs Aliff

The fight has also drawn attention from Malaysia's highest office. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim posted on Instagram to support Aliff before the title bid. He said Aliff Rakib had made history as the first Malaysian combat athlete to qualify for a shot at this title.

Anwar added: "May he continue to bring glory to Malaysia and inspire the younger generation to achieve success on a global stage," as Aliff prepares for the biggest fight of his career.