Aliff Rakib grew up in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, in a family with a strong martial arts background: his father was a renowned Malaysian boxer who reached the SEA Games final, and his younger brother was part of Malaysia’s national taekwondo team until an injury ended his career. That event deeply influenced Aliff’s dedication to fighting.
Aliff began training under his father’s guidance at the age of seven. His competition debut came unexpectedly at eight: after watching his brother fight, he stepped into the bout himself that same day without any preparation. At fourteen, he moved to Bangkok to immerse himself in the elite Thai stadium circuit, where he built an impressive record of 53 wins and 7 losses.
His amateur career was crowned with gold at the 2021 IFMA Youth World Championships in Bangkok, a title at the 2022 IFMA U23 World Championships in Abu Dhabi, gold at the 2022 SEA Games, and two gold medals at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in 2022 and 2024. In 2023, he signed a full-time six-figure contract with ONE Championship, where he posted a perfect 4–0 record with three knockouts at ONE Friday Fights.
On July 24, 2026, he got his chance against legendary Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the interim ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship at The Inner Circle 23 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. In the fifth round, at 1:09, Aliff landed a straight cross that rocked the legend, followed by a head kick and another straight punch, prompting the referee to stop the fight. With this, he became the first Malaysian ever to win a world title in ONE Championship. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly celebrated the achievement, and Aliff earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Aliff fights under the Thai gym name Aliff Sor Dechapan. His father was his first coach and source of inspiration; in Bangkok, he works with trainers affiliated with Sor Dechapan.
