Jacob Smith not blinded by world title on the line against Rodtang at ONE 169: "No extra motivation needed"

United Kingdom star Jacob Smith is approaching his upcoming ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship bout with the reigning Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Friday, Nov. 8, inside the Lumpinee Stadium as if there is no 26 pounds of ONE gold on the line.

Smith explained why he thinks this way in an interview with the world's largest martial arts promotion:

"Absolutely zero has changed because I'm a fighter. If a belt is going to give you extra motivation to get up in the morning when you normally wouldn't, I don't think fighting is for you. I'm fighting because I'm a f**king fighter and I want to win every single fight I'm in. There's no extra motivation needed."

View this post on Instagram

Instagram Post

Smith has a score to settle with 'The Iron Man' after Rodtang handed him a vicious beatdown in his promotional debut in May 2022 at ONE 157 during their ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinal matchup.

With the loss still weighing heavily on his mind, the Bad Company and Thaifist product recently hinted at showing off a much more vicious side when he rematches the Thai hero at ONE 169.

Jacob Smith solely focused on defeating Rodtang at ONE 169

Jacob Smith has a good grasp of what lies ahead of him, which is why he is completely focused heading into ONE 169.

Speaking with Combat Sports Today, the 32-year-old said:

"I just think it's a little bit of a waste of mental energy thinking about all the other things that come with it, when at the end of the day, there's no point thinking about that just yet. Let's just focus on the fight."

Watch the interview below:

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