“This is my gift” - Rodtang dedicates next victory to family and fans as he defends gold against Jacob Smith at ONE 169
Reigning and undisputed ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon of Thailand is getting ready to step back inside the ONE Championship ring.
And anytime Rodtang performs, it's always a spectacle. This time, he will defend his gold against a familiar foe in the United Kingdom's Jacob Smith, and 'The Iron Man' has dedicated this fight to the people he holds close to his heart.
Speaking to the media at the official ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video press conference, Rodtang reiterated his desire to keep the golden belt over his shoulders.
The 27-year-old Jitmuangnon Gym representative stated:
"There's nothing much I would like to say, but I want to keep this belt. I will defend my belt. This is my gift to my wife’s family and all the fans watching and to all of the fighters fighting at ONE 169, please do your best."
Rodtang first met Jacob Smith at ONE 157 in May of 2022. In that fight, 'The Iron Man' delivered an absolute beatdown, dominating the Englishman from start to end.
As a result, Smith has become a permanent fixture in Rodtang's highlight reel. But with the rematch looming, fans can expect another barnburner.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon set to defend flyweight Muay Thai throne against Jacob Smith at ONE 169 on Prime Video
A rematch more than two years in the making, 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon is set to defend his ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title against English rival Jacob Smith.
The two lock horns in the co-main event at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, November 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 as it happens.