Rifdean's Japanese rival sympathises his situation
KUALA LUMPUR: Muay Thai exponent Rifdean Masdor suffered further disappointment in Tokyo when Japanese star Yoshinari Nadaka stopped him in the second round at the Ariake Arena on Saturday.
KUALA LUMPUR: Muay Thai fighter Rifdean Masdor endured more setbacks in Tokyo on Saturday, as he was defeated in the second round by Japanese star Yoshinari Nadaka at the Ariake Arena. The Sarawakian had already missed his chance to become the second Malaysian to win a ONE Championship world title after failing a hydration test on Friday, despite being within the 115-pound (52.16kg) weight limit for the bout.
The fight took place at a catchweight of 118.6 pounds (53.8kg), with Rifdean forfeiting 50% of his fight purse to the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai world champion. In the first round, Nadaka revealed that Rifdean had broken his nose, which impacted the Malaysian's performance. Despite bouncing back to his feet after the initial blow, Rifdean struggled to find openings in the second round.
Nadaka capitalized on a push kick, landing a decisive head kick that knocked Rifdean down. Referee Olivier Coste stopped the contest after 2 minutes and 12 seconds. Nadaka praised his opponent for the fight, acknowledging the difficulties Rifdean had faced due to weight issues and thanking him for providing a showcase of Muay Thai to a wider audience.
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