Jacob Smith believes Takeru's style will unlock Rodtang's ironclad defense: "He loves to come forward and throw combinations"
Jacob Smith believes Takeru Segawa will hold his own should a dream fight against ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon come to reality.
'The Natural Born Crusher' was scheduled to face the Jitmuangnon Gym man at ONE 165 this past January. But an untimely injury to 'The Iron Man' threw that idea out of the window. Superlek Kiatmoo9, meanwhile, stepped up and handed Takeru a debut to forget inside the sold-out Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
But with the 33-year-old now back in business, as seen in his highlight-reel finish of Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81, Jacob Smith is confident Takeru will have what it takes to trouble Rodtang in their hotly anticipated showdown.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda MMA, the Liverpool native offered:
"He's a very good boxer. I feel Rodtang will need to kick a lot and set it up to push Takeru back. He [Takeru] loves to come forward and throw combinations."
Whether or not it'll give Takeru any advantage over someone like Rodtang remains to be seen, though. But on paper, fight fans will surely be in for a treat when these two superstars collide on martial arts' biggest stage down the road.
"I'm better equipped" - Jacob Smith ready for Rodtang rematch at ONE 169
Before Rodtang shifts his attention to an inevitable showdown with the former three-division K-1 world champion, the Thai megastar will defend his gold against British slugger Jacob Smith.
After sending the Liverpool native packing at ONE 157 in May 2022, 'The Iron Man' heads into this rematch with confidence and a blueprint to repeat history.
However, Smith feels that he has evolved into a far superior athlete, and he can't wait to let it show when they meet at ONE 169 inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 8.
In the same interview, he added:
"I think he did feel my power, and I got into some positions to make sure he feels my power. But I'll be able to do it better this time. I'm better equipped. I'm a lot better."
ONE 169 will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America live and for free in U.S. primetime.