“Almost 100 percent” - Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon gets into rhythm ahead of world title defense against Jacob Smith
Rodtang Jitmuangnon is inching closer to his perfect form ahead of his next world title defense.
The reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion will defend his throne for the sixth time when he faces Jacob Smith in the co-main event of the stacked ONE 169 card at the historic Lumpinee Stadium on Nov. 8.
Taking to Instagram, Rodtang showed a snippet of his progress while preparing for his fight at his wife Aida's home gym Looksaikongdin in Bangkok.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon showed off his uncanny rhythm while hitting the pads with his brother-in-law, with every kick spewing an ounce of venomous intent meant for Smith's chin in their looming showdown.
He posted:
"Almost 100 percent full. 👊🇹🇭"
Rodtang is a perfect 6-0 in his world title matches in ONE Championship, with every fight providing non-stop action as the last.
'The Iron Man' successfully fended off Walter Goncalves, now-ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty, Petchdam Petchyindee, former ONE strawweight Muay Thai world champion Joseph Lasiri, and Edgar Tabares in his world title defenses.
The flyweight Muay Thai king also holds a non-title win over Smith when they squared off in the quarterfinals of the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix at ONE 157 in May 2022.
Rodtang will try to chalk up another win over Smith, and another world title defense when they match up at the stadium that has been synonymous with Muay Thai.
ONE 169 is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon says Jacob Smith takes a long time to get into his offensive rhythm
Rodtang Jitmuangnon doesn't need a long time to pinpoint Jacob Smith's weaknesses.
The Thai megastar already holds a win over Smith when they faced each other in Singapore in May 2022, and Rodtang believes he could pounce on the attack immediately as the opening bell rings.
In an interview with ONE Championship, Rodtang said Smith takes a long time to get into his offensive groove:
"He's still the same in terms of his style. It's like his engine is slow to heat up. He thinks and acts a bit slow."