ONE 169: Jacob Smith admits he was in over his head in first meeting with Rodtang
Third-ranked ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai contender Jacob Smith of the United Kingdom admits he bit off way more than he could chew in his first meeting with reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
The 31-year-old Smith threw down with Rodtang in May of 2022, making his ONE Championship debut at ONE 157. At the time, the Englishman didn't think much of 'The Iron Man', but he was quickly surprised once he got into the ring with the Thai star.
Smith was pieced up rather easily, and their initial encounter swiftly turned into a Rodtang showcase.
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Smith talked about that first fight with the Thai superstar.
The 31-year-old Bad Company representative said:
"I don't know if 'too soon' is the right word, but maybe, mate, yeah. Something like that."
Jacob Smith is set to face flyweight Muay Thai king 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a highly anticipated rematch for the world title.
The two lock horns at ONE 169: Atlanta, which broadcasts live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, November 8.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video. Those who want to watch the event live in-stadium can get tickets via Ticketmaster.
Jacob Smith ready to meet Rodtang head-on at ONE 169: "People will want to watch me"
After having already experienced being in the ring with Rodtang Jitmuangnon a couple of years ago, Jacob Smith has no plans of backing down from 'The Iron Man' at ONE 169: Atlanta.
He says fans should expect a very exciting fight between two elite flyweight strikers. Smith told Sportskeeda MMA:
"I'm not gonna let you know in detail, but what you can expect from me is everything that I usually bring in terms of excitement and people will want to watch me."
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding ONE 169: Atlanta as it happens.