{
  "id": 20083611,
  "title": "Bullied as a boy, doubted by his mother, this Johorean fought for his dream",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/bullied-as-a-boy-doubted-by-his-mother-this-johorean-fought-for-his",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T00:01:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2026/11/1578033/bullied-boy-doubted-his-mother-johorean-fought-his-dream"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At 28, Reza Afiq is a quiet and composed man who goes by the nickname \"Machete.\" He is a professional Muay Thai fighter, coach, manager, and owner of Phet Muay Thai in Kota Damansara, a gym he took over three years ago. Reza's journey into fighting was unconventional, as he didn't grow up dreaming of becoming a professional fighter and his family didn't encourage him towards the sport. He was the youngest of five children and grew up in a quiet Johor Baru household where school wasn't always a happy experience due to his small and skinny build making him a target for bullies. Reza started training in mixed martial arts (MMA) at 18 and, after winning his first bout without informing his parents, began his professional fighting career. Despite his success, Reza remains underappreciative of his achievements, attributing his resilience to the advice his father gave him: \"Don't assume you know everything. If you want to do something, learn.\"",
  "summary": "THE gym is quiet when I meet Reza Afiq. The punching bags hang motionless, the ring stands empty, and medals and trophies displayed on the shelves offer the only visible clues to the intensity that usually fills this space.",
  "key_points": [
    "Reza Afiq, 28, is a Muay Thai fighter, coach, and gym owner in Kota Damansara.",
    "Grew up bullied and doubted by his mother, with a small and skinny build.",
    "Started MMA training at 18, achieved success despite family's lack of encouragement."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Overcoming childhood bullying and familial skepticism through self-taught discipline transforms personal hardship into a foundation for professional success in the competitive world of combat sports.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}