RFC 7.0: Sarawak’s Hasbullah keeps WBC national crown with knockout victory

KUCHING (Jan 20): Sarawak’s National Muay Thai champion Hasbullah Mood delivered a sensational performance to defend his WBC Muay Thai Malaysia National Bantamweight title with a second-round knockout during the Rentap Fighting Championship 7.0 (RFC 7.0) last Saturday.

The title bout, held on Jan 17 at The Summer Shopping Mall in Kota Samarahan, saw Hasbullah, representing Phoenix Meranek x Rentap Muay Thai Gym, stun SEA Games gold medallist Wassof Rumijam of Pendowo Limo.

Entering the fight as the underdog, the Sadong Jaya native absorbed heavy pressure in the opening round from Wassof, who is considered one of the region’s most highly regarded fighters.

Hasbullah, however, demonstrated composure and resilience before shifting the momentum in the second round.

He unleashed a decisive offensive that ended the contest via knockout, drawing a loud reaction from spectators and securing what many described as one of the biggest upsets in recent Malaysian Muay Thai competition.

“From the opening bell, Hasbullah showed confidence and control. In the second round, he landed a powerful knockout that ended the fight instantly and stunned the crowd.

“The victory was a major upset and marked a defining moment in Malaysian Muay Thai,” said a statement from RFC 7.0 organisers.

The win marks Hasbullah’s third successful defence of the national title, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s leading Muay Thai athletes and a rising force on the regional stage.

RFC 7.0 featured a full championship weekend comprising 40 Muay Thai bouts on Saturday and 14 submission grappling matches on Sunday.

“The event attracted athletes from across Malaysia as well as international competitors from Thailand, the United States, Sudan, France, Singapore, Egypt and Indonesia,” said the statement.

The tournament was also attended by several distinguished guests, underscoring strong institutional support for combat sports development in Sarawak and Malaysia.

Among them were State Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, senior state officials and industry figures.

In addition to competition, RFC 7.0 incorporated community-focused activities, including youth development sessions on anti-bullying and child safety on Sunday, reflecting the organisers’ belief in the positive influence of combat sports beyond the ring.

RFC 7.0 has been described by its organisers as a landmark event for Malaysian combat sports, combining championship-level performances, international participation and meaningful community engagement.