“Tough and durable” - Rodtang explains why he can’t be complacent against ONE 169 challenger Jacob Smith
Even though he handily defeated Jacob Smith in their first-ever meeting, Rodtang Jitmuangnon knows he can't be complacent in their highly anticipated rematch.
Emanating from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, 'The Iron Man' will put his ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship on the line when he runs it back with the British star at ONE 169 on Friday, November 8.
It will be the second-ever meeting between the two, the first coming at ONE 157 in May 2022. On that night, Rodtang battered and bloodied the Brit with a bevy of brutal elbow strikes en route to a decisive unanimous decision victory.
But despite that display of utter dominance the first time around, 'The Iron Man' knows he can't misjudge Smith's skills when they run it back in the Mecca of Muay Thai. Rodtang told ONE Championship:
“But I can’t underestimate my opponent because Jacob Smith is tough and durable. With his strong physique, I can’t underestimate him.”
Could a win over Jacob Smith lead Rodtang to a rematch with two-sport king Superlek?
ONE 169 will see 'The Iron Man' defend the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title for the first time since a successful defense against Edgar Tabares at ONE Fight Night 10 in May 2023.
Rodtang followed that up with perhaps one of the greatest fights in ONE Championship history four months later.
'The Iron Man' went toe-to-toe with current two-sport king Superlek in a three-round war that has to be seen to be believed. Unfortunately for the Thai titleholder, he came up short in the non-title affair, but Rodtang could find himself on a collision course with Superlek once again, should he work his way past a hungry and determined Jacob Smith.
Will 'The Iron Man' go two up on Smith, or will the British standout shock the world and claim his first ONE world title?
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. ‘Reug Reug’ live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, November 8 in U.S. primetime.