"I'm prepared for both scenarios" - Jacob Smith ready for technical or aggressive world title war vs Rodtang at ONE 169
Jacob Smith says he's ready for either a technical or aggressive world title war with Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 169.
The British star is slated to challenge 'The Iron Man' in a rematch for the coveted ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title at ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug on Friday, Nov. 8.
Even as both men wrap up their training camps, there's still so many variables to consider about what each fighter will bring or not bring to the table on fight night.
In Jacob Smith's case, he's not worried about what kind of style Rodtang chooses to use against him as the fight unfolds.
"I'm prepared for both scenarios because Rodtang could fight me like he did the first time, a lot more technical, a lot more tactical, he was using his distance a lot more," he began telling Violent Money TV. "Or he could run through me as he does with everyone else. I'm prepared for both outcomes."
The thing with Rodtang is that he's very methodical at the start of every fight. He observes everything first, reading movements as fast as he can before going full Iron Man.
The scary part about him is making him feel too comfortable. It will be interesting to see if Jacob Smith keeps him at a distance so that he can do his best work.
"I can't underestimate my opponent" - Rodtang concedes that Jacob Smith continues to be as dangerous as before
With his championship status at stake, Rodtang says he's not going to overlook Jacob Smith's durability in this fight.
Rodtang knows firsthand how tough his opponent truly is after landing power punch after power punch on his face multiple times before. The fact that there was absolutely no quit in Smith that night in 2022, made Rodtang feel like he had to take the Englishman more seriously.
Speaking about his former rival, 'The Iron Man' told ONE:
"I can't underestimate my opponent because Jacob Smith is tough and durable. With his strong physique, I can't underestimate him."