“The prize will be amazing” - Jacob Smith says beating Rodtang is more than just about 26 pounds of gold
British striker Jacob Smith believes that winning the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title will be life-changing for someone like him. The 32-year-old Bad Company standout will try to seize the flyweight Muay Thai belt from longtime champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8.
It is one of the featured fights on the card scheduled to take place at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. In an interview with Combat Sports Today, which was uploaded on YouTube on Oct. 19, Jacob Smith laid down how he views his showdown with Rodtang.
The Englishman said:
"Let's get the fight done. Let's win the fight, and then the prize will be amazing. But the prize is fantastic and could be life-changing for my family. But there's no point in thinking about that. Let's just focus on the opponent and the fight, winning the fight, that's it."
Check out what he had to say below:
Jacob Smith's clash with Rodtang at ONE 169 is a rematch of their first encounter two years ago in the former's promotional debut. The Englishman put up a gallant stand, but just could not keep up with the Thai superstar. Ultimately, Rodtang ended up taking home the decision win.
Despite the loss, Smith worked to maintain his status as a fighter of note in the division, leading him to the rematch at hand. ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will be aired live and for free at U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Jacob Smith eyeing a finish of Rodtang in rematch at ONE 169
Jacob Smith looks to exact payback on Rodtang Jitmuangnon in their rematch at ONE 169 on Nov. 8 in Thailand and wants to punctuate his performance with a knockout finish.
The English fighter made his intentions known in an interview with Combat Sports Today, sharing that he would welcome victory in any form but that he is gunning particularly for a knockout.
Smith said:
"My prediction is a win. Now, whether that comes on points or whether that [KO] comes. Look, my style is very entertianing. I'm always going for the finish, always. Somethimes a little too much, maybe, let's say I'm going to win the fight."
Jacob Smith enters ONE 169 off a loss by decision in his barnburner last April against Bosnian-Canadian striker Denis Puric, giving him added motivation to come up with a win.