ONE 169: Jacob Smith hails Rodtang as “the most famous champion in the modern era”
Jacob Smith thinks Rodtang Jitmuangnon is "the most famous champion" of the modern Muay Thai area.
When talking about the best fighters in the art of eight limbs, 'The Iron Man' undoubtedly tops a lot of lists. Since making his ONE Championship debut six years ago, Rodtang has won 15 fights inside the Circle, claiming the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship in the process.
On Friday, Nov. 8, he'll put his 26 pounds of gold up for grabs once again when he meets Smith in one of the most anticipated rematches of 2024.
Speaking with ONE Championship ahead of their highlight anticipated clash, Smith shared his excitement over the opportunity to not only fight one of Muay Thai's greatest champions but to do it inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. He said:
“Probably, yes! In my opinion, that venue is the heart of Muay Thai. To beat the champion and arguably the most famous, prestigious champion in the modern era, it would be so sweet."
Jacob Smith sees no holes in Rodtang's game ahead of ONE 169 rematch
Already having gone three rounds with 'The Iron Man' at ONE 157 in May 2022, Jacob Smith will have a leg up on his competition come fight night. Unfortunately, that may not amount to much as, even by Smith's admission, there are very few holes in Rodtang's game. Speaking to South China Morning Post, Smith said:
"You know what, there's not much holes in his game," Smith told the South China Morning Post. I think he's a very, very well-rounded fighter when he's on it. And I do think that for this camp, he has been on it."
Smith steps into his first ONE world title opportunity coming off an impressive first-round knockout against Walter Goncalves followed by a nine-minute Muay Thai war with 'The Bosnian Menace' Denis Puric in his last outing.
Will Smith shock the world and claim his first 26 pounds of gold, or will Rodtang go two up on the Brit and deliver another epic performance inside the Mecca of Muay Thai?
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. ‘Reug Reug’ live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Nov. 8 in U.S. primetime.