ONE Championship: Aliff Rakib to take on Prajanchai for strawweight Muay Thai world title
Victory over long-reigning champ would see Rakib become first Malaysian Muay Thai world champion in ONE Championship history
Aliff Rakib will challenge long-reigning strawweight Muay Thai champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai for the ONE Championship world title in February 2026, promotion chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has announced during a Facebook Live broadcast.
The confirmation comes less than two weeks after Rakib produced a composed and tactically disciplined performance to defeat Ramadan Ondash by unanimous decision at ONE Fight Night 38, extending his winning streak in the organisation to five fights and solidifying his position as the division’s top contender.
Rakib, who is half Thai and half Malaysian, has steadily built his reputation through technical precision rather than knockout power – a contrast that was on full display against Ondash, one of the division’s most dangerous punchers.
“I think people need to understand that this is sport,” Rakib told the Post. “In order to win, sometimes you just need to come up with some plans. He’s a heavy hitter, he’s a puncher, but I’m more of a kicker, so I cannot just go in and trade punches with him.”
Rakib dismissed criticism from some fans who accused him of running during the bout, insisting that tactical adaptation was central to elite-level Muay Thai.
“If you just want excitement, that’s not sport,” he said. “I am here to win. The plan is created for me to win.”