The coach of Arif Sor Dechapan, who was awarded a $100,000 contract on Friday, said he expected the fighter to give his all to win a world title at ONE Championship.
The Thai-Malaysian defeated Peyman Zolfagali in a 120-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout in Bangkok over the weekend and also received a $10,000 performance bonus for his outstanding performance.
This marked the 19-year-old’s fourth consecutive win under the ONE Friday Fights banner at Lumphini Stadium, with three of the wins coming by knockout in less than two minutes of the first round.
Arif has assembled an impressive highlight reel, capturing the attention of ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sitoyotton, who promoted him from the martial arts promotion’s weekly card in the Thai capital. He became the seventh fighter to be called up to the roster.
JP Gallacher, the fighter’s coach at Bangkok’s So Dechapant Gym, expressed his elation, stating: “Words can’t express how much it made me feel to see Arif get the contract. He is my student and brother, and this was life-changing for him.
“He gives me 100 percent in every session and trusts us to do it together. We talked about this deal for a long time, chased it, and it happened. I did.
“Such incredible things don’t happen by chance. This is where the real fun begins. Arif will be 100 percent ONE World Champion.”
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Arif made his debut at ONE Friday Fights in April, knocking out Ritidet Chiassongrit in the second round with a spinning back elbow.
Then, in July, he defeated Ratchadei TN Muay Thai with a left hook after just 50 seconds.
A month later, his latest exceptional performance followed with a unanimous decision win over Yandam Punpangmuang.
“Friday night was very important and meaningful to me. I’ve always dreamed of this,” Arif told the Post.
“I get the spirit from my coach.” [Gallacher], He is the one who always believed in me. He told me he would get a contract by 2024.
“I listened to him, and [on Friday] I received it from Mr. Chatri in the evening. I’m so happy, the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. ”
