Jacob Smith reflects on the difference between him and Rodtang in first meeting: “I didn't know how good he was”
Jacob Smith lost to Rodtang Jitmuangnon in their first encounter two years ago, which he said was partly because he underestimated the abilities of 'The Iron Man'. It something he said he has learned from and knows better than doing again in their scheduled rematch this November.
The two top strikers first me at ONE 157 in May 2022 in a flyweight Muay Thai world grand prix quarterfinal match, which Rodtang won by unanimous decision.
In the fight, Jacob Smith admitted to struggling against the full heat that Rodtang brought to the contest, which was made worse because he was not fully aware of how good the Thai superstar was.
He shared to Sportskeeda MMA in an interview:
"Maybe I was naive in the fight plan. I just assumed he was gonna come and try to knock me down. Stand and throw down, and obliterate me.
"The first fight I didn't know how good he was, but it made me respect how good he was. So, I didn't appreciate or understand how good he was."
Smith is now looking to redeem himself from his first defeat to Rodtang in their rematch on Nov. 8 at ONE 169 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. There, he will challenge for the flyweight Muay Thai belt long in the possession of the Jitmuangnon Gym standout.
ONE 169 will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and available on Amazon Prime Video. Tickets for the event are sold on Ticketmaster.
Jacob Smith not just sticking to his rough and tough approach in Rodtang rematch
British striker Jacob Smith said he is entering his scheduled rematch with Rodtang Jitmuangnon a lot wiser, going beyond the rough and tough approach he employed in their first encounter two years ago that resulted in a loss.
He shared this in an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, ahead of his redo against Rodtang at ONE 169: Atlanta on Nov. 8, saying:
"It's going to be the same rough and tough Jacob Smith, but with a far better fight IQ and discipline within the plan. That's all I can say."
Smith was last in action in April, losing to Denis Puric in a flyweight Muay Thai joust by decision but not after stretching 'The Bosnian Menace' to the full route.