Rodtang believes Jacob Smith is a worthy opponent because of his "toughness and strength"
Reigning and undisputed ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon of Thailand says upcoming foe Jacob Smith of the United Kingdom, from what he remembers, is one tough cookie.
The two first fought in May 2022 at ONE 157, and it was one of the most violent displays of Muay Thai ever in ONE Championship.
Unfortunately for Smith, Rodtang was absolutely on point that night, as he nailed the Englishman with a plethora of bombs that would have had any other man flat on the canvas.
Rodtang threw everything but the kitchen sink at Smith, and then some, but failed to take out the Bad Company fighter. 'The Iron Man' would settle for a three-round unanimous decision win.
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Rodtang shared his thoughts on Smith as an opponent, ahead of their highly anticipated rematch.
'The Iron Man' stated:
"His toughness and strength. It isn’t easy to take him down."
Rodtang refrained from offering a prediction for their rematch, given how tough Smith is. He said:
"It’s difficult to say. As always, it all depends on what happens in the ring. I’ll have to either go according to my plan, or improvise it. However, for sure I’ll do my best to get a victory."
The two do it all over again in a couple of weeks.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon ready to run it back with Jacob Smith at ONE 169 on Prime Video
'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon is ready to stake his ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title against former opponent Jacob Smith in a highly anticipated rematch.
They will face each other at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 8.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event during fight week.