Malaysia has firmly planted its flag in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), rising from a quiet underdog to an emerging combat sports hub in Southeast Asia. A new wave of dedicated, powerful, and skilled Malaysian fighters are storming global promotions like ONE Championship, UFC, and numerous regional circuits, blending traditional martial arts with modern MMA disciplines. These athletes reflect Malaysia’s growing sports culture and the nation’s deep roots in combat traditions such as Silat, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Here’s a detailed look at the top MMA fighters from Malaysia who are not only making headlines but also carving the path for future generations.
Ev Ting – “E.T.”: The Lightweight Titan
Ev Ting is one of the most accomplished MMA athletes to ever represent Malaysia. Born in Kuala Lumpur and raised in New Zealand, he holds dual identities and has used that diversity to craft a versatile and dangerous fighting style.
- Record: 20+ professional wins
- Division: Lightweight
- Promotion: ONE Championship
- Fighting Style: Muay Thai striking with wrestling and submission skills
Ting has headlined multiple ONE events and faced elite opponents like Shinya Aoki, earning a reputation for his fearlessness and all-action approach. His fast-paced, aggressive striking paired with grappling awareness makes him a true threat in every round.
Agilan Thani – “Alligator”: Malaysia’s Grappling Giant
A story of grit and transformation, Agilan “Alligator” Thani is a homegrown talent who turned his life around from an obese teenager to a world-class athlete. Trained at Monarchy MMA in Kuala Lumpur, Agilan is a pioneer in Malaysian grappling-heavy MMA.
- Record: 10+ professional wins
- Division: Welterweight
- Promotion: ONE Championship
- Fighting Style: Wrestling dominance, ground-and-pound, and top control
He famously fought Ben Askren for the ONE Welterweight World Title, showcasing Malaysia’s reach on the international stage. With every takedown, Agilan continues to prove that Malaysian fighters belong in the spotlight.
Jihin Radzuan – “Shadow Cat”: The Atomweight Sensation
Jihin Radzuan is Malaysia’s breakout female MMA star, known for her charisma and determination. A former Wushu world champion, she has seamlessly transitioned into MMA, where her striking fluidity and grappling acumen shine brightly.
- Record: Impressive wins in ONE Championship
- Division: Atomweight
- Promotion: ONE Championship
- Fighting Style: Striking from Wushu roots, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt
Jihin holds notable victories over top-ranked fighters such as Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol. She’s an inspiring figure for young Malaysian women and is becoming a global face for Asian MMA talent.
Saiful Merican – “The Vampire”: Striking Trailblazer
Saiful Merican brought Malaysia’s Muay Thai roots into the MMA cage long before it became trendy. As one of the earliest fighters to represent the country in ONE Championship, he brought an aggressive striking style that few could match.
- Record: Veteran of multiple bouts
- Division: Flyweight
- Promotion: ONE Championship
- Fighting Style: Traditional Muay Thai with knockout power
Though less active today, Saiful continues to influence the sport by training and mentoring young athletes. His legacy as a pioneer of Malaysian MMA remains deeply respected.
Keanu Subba – The Technician
A Malaysian Invasion MMA (MIMMA) champion turned professional star, Keanu Subba is known for his precision, athleticism, and fight IQ. He’s part of a fighting family and one of the brightest stars to come from the grassroots scene.
- Record: Multiple wins in ONE Championship
- Division: Featherweight
- Promotion: ONE Championship
- Fighting Style: Muay Thai striking, improving BJJ and wrestling
Subba is celebrated for his calm under pressure and adaptability. His journey is a blueprint for aspiring Malaysian fighters looking to rise through the ranks.
Gianni Subba – The Smart Strategist
Older brother to Keanu, Gianni Subba is the thinking man’s fighter. With technical precision and a cerebral approach, Gianni has secured victories over some of Asia’s top fighters.
- Record: Contender-level flyweight
- Division: Flyweight
- Promotion: ONE Championship
- Fighting Style: Balanced mix of striking and grappling
He combines clean stand-up with high-level fight awareness, making him one of the most complete fighters to come out of Malaysia. Gianni is also active in analysis and commentary, further elevating the profile of Malaysian MMA.
Muhammad Aiman – The Prospect on the Rise
Another MIMMA champion, Muhammad Aiman has steadily built his career on the international stage. Training with Team Alpha Male in the U.S., Aiman is refining his skills among the world’s best featherweights.
- Record: Several regional and international wins
- Division: Bantamweight
- Promotion: ONE Championship and other global organizations
- Fighting Style: Quick footwork, accurate striking, and strong takedown defense
His international training experience sets him apart, and his steady improvements signal that he’s one to watch in upcoming years.
Malaysia’s MMA Infrastructure: Building Future Champions
Behind every great fighter is a support system. Malaysia now boasts a growing network of elite training gyms such as:
- Monarchy MMA (Kuala Lumpur)
- Lekir Fitness & MMA (Kedah)
- Borneo Tribal Squad (Sabah)
- K-One MMA Academy (Penang)
These gyms are powered by experienced coaches and international collaborations. Tournaments like MIMMA have also played a crucial role, offering a platform for amateur fighters to gain visibility and experience.
Increased government support, sponsorship interest, and media coverage have helped push MMA into the mainstream in Malaysia. The result is a well-structured pipeline of young talent ready to make waves globally.
Malaysia’s MMA Era Has Arrived
From the disciplined veterans like Ev Ting and Agilan Thani, to rising stars like Jihin Radzuan and Muhammad Aiman, Malaysia is showcasing fighters who have both the skills and the mindset to excel on the world stage. With a maturing MMA infrastructure and a growing fanbase, Malaysian MMA is no longer an underdog story—it’s a movement in full force.
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