"I don't think it matters much" - Jacob Smith shrugs off Rodtang's weigh-in blunder, expects tough fight

Third-ranked ONE flyweight Muay Thai competitor Jacob Smith is unconcerned about Rodtang Jitmuangnon's physical fitness ahead of their ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship fight at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Friday, Nov. 8, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Smith said in an interview with the Bangkok Post:

"It doesn't matter what shape you're in. At the end of the day, it's about [your mind], it's about [your heart], and that's really it. He's been fighting since he was a baby. He's had 300 fights. I don't think it matters much what shape he's in. I know he's taking me seriously - well, I hope he's taking me seriously - I'm expecting the best Rodtang, I want the best Rodtang because when I beat him, there's no excuses."

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Smith's determination to win the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship comes as no surprise after Rodtang defeated him in their ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinal matchup at ONE 157 in May 2022.

However, the Englishman will be the only one eligible to win 26 pounds of flyweight Muay Thai gold at ONE 169 after Rodtang lost the crown on the scales because he was over the weight limit by half a pound.

Their rematch is now set at a catchweight of 135.5 pounds.

Rodtang eyeing methodical approach against Jacob Smith

Though Rodtang cannot win back the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship at ONE 169, the unfortunate situation has not stopped him from gunning for his second win over Jacob Smith.

During the pre-fight press conference, 'The Iron Man' said:

"I will take my time and see when Jacob makes a mistake, that will be the end of him."

ONE 169 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.