Jacob Smith responds to critics claiming he's undeserving of world title shot vs Rodtang: "They can talk and talk"
Jacob Smith will enter his rematch with flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon with a massive chip on his shoulder. After all, the British bomber has heard all the naysayers questioning if he deserves the title shot against 'The Iron Man'.
Addressing his doubters, the third-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender had an expletive response in an appearance on Combat Sports Today's YouTube channel:
"F**k you, it's what I’d say. I'm not sure I'm allowed to say that, but I've said it now."
Jacob Smith was totally outclassed by Rodtang for three rounds when they first crossed swords back in 2022.
While the 32-year-old rebounded with an emphatic KO win over Walter Goncalves, he dropped a unanimous decision verdict to Denis Puric at ONE Fight Night 21 last April.
Still, Smith is tuning out all the noise and would rather prove people wrong when he runs it back with the Thai destroyer at ONE 169 on November 8 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Bad Company, Team Thaifist, and 4Corners Gym affiliate added:
"You know, if the thing is with people online, they can talk and talk and talk. Not one of them has achieved a thing in their life. You just have to kind of blank that out."
Watch Jacob Smith's full interview:
Jacob Smith ready for whatever style Rodtang brings
Rodtang earned his keep by being a fearless marauder who mindlessly pushes forward from start to finish.
However, the reigning flyweight Muay Thai champ surprised everyone when he showcased a Muay Mat (technical) style in his clinical dissection of Smith in their first match.
With that in mind, the British slugger prepared himself for all possibilities in their upcoming rematch at ONE 169. He told Sportskeeda:
"I’m prepared for both scenarios in regards to how Rodtang is going to fight me. Will he fight me like how he fought me the first time - more technical? Or is he just gonna run through to me? I’m prepared for both outcomes."
ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will air live in US Primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America