“He was still standing” - Rodtang surprised that Jacob Smith made it to the final bell after the punishment he took in first meeting
Rodtang Jitmuangnon dominated Jacob Smith in their first encounter but was impressed with the toughness that the latter showed despite the punishment he took.
'The Iron Man' welcomed the British striker in his promotional debut on May 20, 2022. They fought in a flyweight Muay Thai world grand prix match, which the Thai superstar claimed by decision after steadily tearing down Smith in their three-rounder with telling hits that came from all directions.
In a recent interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Rodtang gave his impression on the challenge that Smith put up in their first meeting, saying:
"He was a tough guy, a very strong fighter. I cut him with my elbow three times, and he was still standing."
The Jitmuangnon Gym standout is set to reengage with Smith on Nov. 8 at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug. There he will stake his flyweight Muay Thai world title for the sixth time since becoming world champion in August 2019.
ONE 169 will take place at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Rodtang says Jacob Smith deserving of rematch
Apart from the toughness that his opponent showed in their first encounter, Rodtang Jitmuangnon believes Jacob Smith has considerably grown as a fighter and is deserving to get another shot at him.
The Thai superstar shared this in an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, ahead of their scheduled rematch at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 in Thailand.
He said:
"Smith today may not be Smith years ago. I believe everyone evolves into a different person always. He deserves another chance with me."
Entering ONE 169, Rodtang is coming off a decision win over Bosnian-Canadian striker Denis Puric in a catchweight kickboxing clash back in June. Meanwhile, Smith also took on Puric in his most recent match in April, losing by decision in what turned out to be a barnburner of a contest.