Rifdean Masdor Apologizes After Loss to Nadaka and Controversy Over Team Absence at ONE Samurai 4
After his loss to Nadaka, Rifdean Masdor apologizes, explains team absence, and receives a stern response from the ONE chairman.
Rifdean Masdor's defeat to Nadaka Yoshinari at ONE Samurai 4 sparked controversy that extended far beyond the result in the ring. The 23-year-old Malaysian issued an apology following the backlash from his statements on social media, while his management team had to clarify who was responsible for the fighter's preparation.
The bout took place on October 17 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Rifdean faced the ONE Championship atomweight Muay Thai champion but had already lost the chance to claim the title before stepping into the ring: he failed to make the 115-pound limit at weigh-ins and became ineligible for the title, even in the event of a victory.
Nadaka resolved the match at 58 seconds into the second round. A left high kick ended the contest by technical knockout (TKO), ensuring the Japanese fighter retained his title.
After the setback, Rifdean expressed interest in facing Nadaka again and sent a message to Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of ONE Championship: "Tell boss Chatri that Deen wants a rematch." The Malaysian also stated that if he hadn't made mistakes in that fight, and if God willed it, he could have secured a victory for Malaysia.
However, Chatri's response was straightforward. The executive completely ruled out the possibility of a rematch: "No way. Zero percent. You need to be professional."
Team Absence Raises Controversy
Another point of concern was Rifdean's lack of a team during the event week. In a press conference, Chatri expressed shock upon discovering that the fighter had arrived without a coach, corner, or team to support him.
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In light of the criticism, Rifdean explained that organizational issues and technical limitations prevented the people he intended to bring to Japan from traveling. As a result, he had to rely on friends for part of his support. He also denied that the situation was related to a lack of money or commitment.
"I may have traveled without a full team, but I never stepped into the ring without preparation, discipline, and determination to win," the fighter stated.
Rifdean also issued a personal apology, not directly mentioning the fight in Tokyo. In the message, he acknowledged that as a professional athlete, he should demonstrate more maturity, discipline, and responsibility both inside and outside the ring.
Company Clarifies Responsibility for Weight Cut
In response to the situation, UXR Management Group, which manages Rifdean, released a statement clarifying its role in the athlete's career.
According to the company, its responsibilities include administrative management, documentation, brand building, and marketing. The weight cut, hydration control, and fight strategy are the responsibility of the gym handling the training.
UXR Management Group also apologized to ONE Championship and Chatri Sityodtong for any potential failures or misunderstandings. However, the statement did not disclose the name of the gym responsible for Rifdean's preparation.
What began with a failed weigh-in and ended with a high kick from Nadaka has taken on new developments outside the ring. For Rifdean, in addition to the loss and the missed opportunity to compete for the title, there remains public pressure for a more professional demeanor.
Source: Muay Thai Stand (Facebook), Sinar Harian, and ONE Championship
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