Rodtang unsure whether Jacob Smith rematch at ONE 169 will be as easy as first fight: "We have to see what happens"
ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon refuses to assume he'll enjoy another field day when he runs it back against Jacob Smith at ONE 169.
'The Iron Man' defends his 26 pounds of gold against the third-ranked contender in the co-main event of the Lumpinee Stadium card on Nov. 8.
Despite owning a crushing victory over Smith when they met at ONE 157 in May 2022, the 27-year-old megastar won't let that victorious outing get into his head.
Knowing that Smith could fare much better in this redo, Rodtang had this to say to Nick Atkin on whether he'll enjoy another similar night on the global stage this Friday:
"I think we have to see what happens in the ring because that would be the best answer. Now, I cannot really give any answer."
As much as he wants to stay humble, the divisional king owns one too many advantages that should steer him past the Englishman on fight night.
With more than 300 fights under his belt and knockout power at the tip of each of his "Art of Eight Limbs" weapons, the Thai crusader should enjoy a field day when he defends his gold at ONE 169.
Watch the full interview here:
Rodtang "not worried" about Jacob Smith's style
Rodtang has had plenty of time to study Jacob Smith before they run it back in a matter of days.
And fom the No. 3-ranked contender's most recent fight — a unanimous decision loss to Denis Puric this past April — the Jitmuangnon Gym man has identified a couple of areas that will play into his advantage.
He told ONE:
"I've watched his most recent fight, and I saw he left several openings that will definitely be in my favor. I've fought him before, and I'm familiar with his style. I'm not worried."
ONE 169 will be available to all active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America live in U.S. primetime for free this Friday, Nov. 8.