Rifdean clarifies team absence after Chatri rebuke

KUALA LUMPUR: Muay Thai fighter Rifdean Masdor said friends helped him in Japan after technical issues prevented his Thai gym team from accompanying him for his fight against Yoshinari Nadaka.

The Malaysian apologised for his earlier statement that he arrived without a team or coach, after ONE Championship chief executive officer Chatri Sityodtong criticised his preparations.

Rifdean suffered a second-round technical knockout defeat to Nadaka at ONE Samurai 4 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Saturday.

The 23-year-old had already lost his chance to claim the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai world title after failing the hydration test on Friday. The bout subsequently proceeded at a catchweight.

Rifdean said he had undergone intensive training at a gym in Thailand before the bout.

"However, due to certain technical issues unrelated to finances, the gym team was unable to accompany me to Japan. I subsequently brought along a few friends to assist me during the event," he said in a statement published on his social media account.

"As they had limited experience handling professional fighters on the ONE Championship stage, I chose not to elaborate on the situation during the press conference."

Rifdean also apologised to Chatri for any impression that he had been unprofessional or lacked commitment.

"I would like to emphasise that I gave 100 per cent commitment and effort in preparing to face a world champion," the Sarawakian added.

"I promise to ensure that this situation will not happen again in my future fights."

Chatri had earlier expressed shock at what he described as Rifdean's unprofessional preparation, saying the Malaysian arrived without a coach, cornerman, or teammates to monitor him during fight week.

He cited ONE bantamweight champion Jonathan Haggerty and Nadaka as examples of the professional standards expected of athletes competing at the highest level.

Chatri also dismissed Rifdean's request for a rematch and another world title opportunity following his defeat.

"Rifdean asked for a title opportunity immediately after the fight, even though he had just lost by knockout. He asked for a rematch and a title opportunity," said Chatri at the post-event press conference on Saturday.

"He has absolutely no chance. Zero! You need to be professional."

Chatri said fighters who failed to meet requirements, particularly for world title bouts, would face a long wait for another title opportunity. However, he did not specify a timeframe for Rifdean.