ONE 169: Jacob Smith says Lumpinee Stadium is a more "fitting" venue for his Muay Thai world title clash with Rodtang
There is no grander stage for Jacob Smith to pull one back against Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Even the English striker and third-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender agrees that is the case.
The Bad Company and Thaifist martial artist meets 'The Iron Man' for a chance to secure his spot atop the talent-jammed bracket. Their ONE flyweight Muay Thai fixture is one of four world title contests at ONE 169 on Friday, Nov. 8.
Originally set to go down in State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, the promotion shifted the stacked bill to the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
While fans were eager to see how the promotion's third outing in the United States would fare, after a highly successful sophomore card with ONE 168: Denver, they will have to wait until 2025 when ONE returns to stateside with two events.
Smith, though, welcomes the shift — stating that fighting for the biggest prize in the discipline inside the historical 'Mecca of Muay Thai' sounds more ideal.
He told Violent Money TV earlier this week:
"It [the venue change] doesn't change my training at all, mate. I think it's very fitting that I'm fighting for the biggest prize in Muay Thai at the home of Muay Thai."
Watch Jacob Smith's full interview here:
Jacob Smith says he'd continue doing his job as a fighter whether it's for world titles or even a Happy Meal
Jacob Smith does not see himself pursuing anything other than martial arts — even if the reward is something as simple as a free meal.
Responding to what motivates him to get out of bed every day, the British striker told ONE:
"Whether I'm fighting for a McDonald's Happy Meal or whether I'm fighting for the ONE Championship world title is irrelevant. I get up in the morning because I'm a fighter and because I want to win every fight I'm in."
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