“I’m coming in to win and take the belt” - Jacob Smith ignoring pundits who discredit his chances against the mighty Rodtang
Jacob Smith has no interest in listening to pundits who are already counting him out of his upcoming world title tilt against Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
To be fair, pundits have plenty of reason to believe 'The Iron Man' will come out on top against Smith—just as he did in 2022 when Rodtang absolutely brutalized the Brit for three rounds en route to a decisive decision victory at ONE 157.
But what happened in the past is of no interest to Smith. It's a new day; he's a new fighter, and he's determined to bring the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship back home to the United Kingdom.
Smith told the South China Morning Post:
"I couldn’t care less about the outside pressure anyway because at the end of the day, it’s only me and him. So it’s all about the pressure I’m putting on myself but also the belief that I have in myself, the pressure and the belief that my coaches are putting on me as well because I’m not going in there to take part and just be a part of the co-main event."
He added:
"That’s not me at all. I’m coming in to win and take the belt."
Watch the full interview:
Smith will get that opportunity in just a few short hours when the two world-class strikers square off as part of a loaded ONE 169 card inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
It will be one of three title fights on the night, but unfortunately, only one man can leave with the ONE flyweight Muay Thai crown.
Rodtang misses weight ahead of highly anticipated rematch against Jacob Smith
Ahead of their highly anticipated rematch, Rodtang failed to make weight during the ONE 169 weigh-ins.
As a result, 'The Iron Man' has been stripped of the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title—a belt he's held for more than five years and successfully defended five times.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, fans will still be treated to a title fight between Rodtang and Smith as the latter met both weight and hydration requirements. As a result, the Brit will still be eligible to take home the 26 pounds of gold, should he come out on top against 'The Iron Man.'
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. ‘Reug Reug’ live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, November 8 in U.S. primetime.