"Just so superior" - Fans marvel at Rodtang Jitmuangnon's absolute showcase of Muay Thai violence against Jacob Smith
Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon has improved his head-to-head score against Jacob Smith to 2-0 after securing another unanimous decision victory in their rematch at ONE 169, which took place last Friday night at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion displayed his top-class striking skills to deny Smith in his goal of becoming a world champion.
Highlights of this masterful performance by Rodtang were posted by ONE Championship on their YouTube channel. In the caption, they wrote:
"Highlights from the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title rematch between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Jacob Smith!"
In addition to his punishing kicks, elbows, and punches, 'The Iron Man' also displayed his fan-friendly style of showmanship.
Due to this world-class showing from the 27-year-old athlete, fans couldn't help but send him positive feedback, especially from users @bobuser-ng7ju5qg6l, @didierduplantier8359, @chamelleandtokito, @joshm3129, and @Seiko_Ajusshi, who commented:
"Rodtang not only a technical fighter but he's also a very high psychology technic to bring down his opponent"
"Rodtang's skill was just so superior to that of Jacob Smith's that it looked like a sparring lesson than an actual match."
"I am 50 years of age done multiple tournaments in jiu jitsu and been two time state champ. But i can tell you it just look that easy to be such a great sportsman and have this sportsmanship like rodtang has. He not only a thru warrior and fighter. He is what martial arts should look like head to toe and inside outside."
"Rodtang is hilarious. Giving the ref and Jacob kisses 😘 and the gamesmanship is si funny. Doing all of that while trying to take Jacob's head off with the vicious elbows can only be done by him. Nobody else."
"Rodtang is a powerful beast , but we must salute Jacob Smith who had the courage to get back into the ring a second time against the Rodtang , taking blows and continue to fight."
Rodtang doubles down on his health and training camp after weight miss at ONE 169
Despite beating Smith, the Jitmuangnon Gym-affiliated athlete wasn't eligible to win the 26-pound golden belt after missing weight. This setback made him accept his fate and led him to invest in a nutritionist.
Rodtang shared this during the post-fight interview with the media by stating:
"Yes, I already have a nutrition coach and a team to help me with that. But the past is past. What's done is done. I don't really like to look back. Yes, I have all this money and fame. I already invested and I put everything into my training camp."
North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch all the action from the ONE 169 card via the free event replay.