KUALA LUMPUR: Unfazed by the challenging task ahead, Malaysian Muay Thai fighter Rifdean Masdor is ready to shock the world and end Japanese superstar Nadaka Yoshinari's seven-year, 42-fight winning streak on Saturday.
The 23-year-old challenges the reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion in the co-main event of ONE Samurai 4 at the Ariake Arena, Tokyo, aiming to pull off one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history.
Nadaka is hailed as a generational talent and one of the finest pound-for-pound strikers on the planet.
However, Rifdean remains undaunted by the home favourite's formidable aura.
"Nadaka is one of the best. I have never encountered a fighter quite like him," Rifdean said.
"Win or lose, we put that aside; what matters is we prove that Malaysians can do it.
"Of course, we must have confidence because every fight requires self-belief. You cannot step into the ring without it. Confidence is number one for me. But above all, we believe in providence, and on the 17th, we will do our best for Malaysia."
A win would etch Rifdean's name into the annals of Malaysian combat sports as only the country's second ONE World Champion, following in the footsteps of Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff, who captured world gold earlier this year.
"I want to achieve what my friends have done, like Aliff, who has already brought home a world championship belt," Rifdean said.
"If it is destined to be mine, I will bring that belt back for the people of Malaysia."
The showdown in Tokyo marks a momentous weekend for Malaysian martial arts, with compatriot Jihin Radzuan competing alongside Rifdean, while teen prodigy Johan Ghazali also steps into action.
Rifdean called on fans back home to rally behind the Malaysian contingent in full force.
"To all Malaysians, please don't forget to support Jihin, Rifdean, and Jojo. We are national athletes carrying the flag, and we hope everyone will pray for our success," he said.
"Win or lose, please keep supporting us. Support us when we win, and stand by us without criticism when we fall."
Hailing from Kuching, Sarawak, and honing his craft in Perak with Sor Sommai and Headhunter Academy, Rifdean first made waves on the amateur circuit, capturing a hat-trick of IFMA World Under-23 Championship titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
He also claimed a gold medal for Malaysia at the 2019 Philippines SEA Games and is a two-time Sukma gold medallist.
Since transitioning to the elite stage, Rifdean has made a habit of finishing opponents in emphatic fashion.
He announced his arrival in March 2024 with a 78-second TKO win over Pichai Lookbanmai on debut.
Amassing a 7-1 record inside the circle, Rifdean officially punched his ticket to the main roster in June after demolishing Iran's Javad Mozafari with a first-round knockout in just 94 seconds, which earned him a contract worth US$100,000 (RM420,000).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd