"It's better fighting in Thailand" - Jacob Smith says it will be sweeter to dethrone Rodtang in front of his hometown crowd
Jacob Smith is expecting to be met with a sea of boos when he enters enemy territory at ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug.
After all, he'll be challenging Thailand's modern-day hero Rodtang Jitmuangnon for his flyweight Muay Thai crown in the co-main event of the stacked event on Nov. 8.
Initially scheduled to go down in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, ONE 169 was moved to Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand due to partner obligations.
Still, the change in venue won't affect Smith's desire to avenge his previous loss to 'The Iron Man' and claim 26 pounds of gold in the process.
The British challenger said in a recent appearance on Violent Money TV's YouTube channel:
"There's no issue at all there. Just as I said before, it's turned out to be better, fighting in Thailand [more] than in America."
Moreover, Smith also believes that silencing the pro-Rodtang crown will make his victory sweeter. The Bad Company and Thaifist representative added:
"I mean I'd love to fight in America also, but just given this fight, being the pinnacle of Muay Thai, with it being so big, I just feel like it's better fighting in Thailand. I feel like I'm at home in the Lumpinee Stadium."
Watch the full interview:
Rodtang impressed by Jacob Smith's unyielding resolve in first fight
Rodtang handily beat Jacob Smith for three rounds when they first met back in 2022.
The flyweight Muay Thai kingpin showcased his mastery of 'The Art of Eight Limbs', leaving his British foe with a gnarly crimson mask.
In a Sportskeeda MMA exclusive, Rodtang admitted being amazed by Smith's unreal toughness and for making it to the final bell after a lopsided beating.
"It was surprising for me to see a man losing that much blood and still had the strength to keep the game going."
ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug will air live in US Primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America.