ONE 169 preview and predictions: Rodtang vs. Jacob Smith II
Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Jacob Smith are ready to treat combat sports fans with another all-out striking war when they lock horns in the ONE 169 co-main event on Nov. 8.
That evening, 'The Iron Man' puts his prized possession on the line against the Englishman, who is pumped like never before to even things up with the striking sensation and leave the revered Lumpinee Stadium with the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion.
Both men have shifted into gear at a steady pace leading up to this clash, which will be one of three massive world title contests at the top of the bill.
The divisional king has left no stone unturned as he aims to repeat history and finish Smith inside the distance. The challenger, on the other hand, believes Rodtang will be in for a real surprise if he underestimates him one bit.
Before attention shifts to the loaded card inside the 'Mecca of Muay Thai' this Friday, Sportskeeda MMA's team of analysts dissect and share their thoughts on this fixture, which will be available for free to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America.
Ted Razon: Rodtang via third-round TKO
Rodtang and Jacob Smith’s first encounter was a highly technical yet gruesomely brutal affair, and I expect another violent matchup in their rematch this Friday.
Smith barely made it to the final bell in his lopsided loss and I don’t see him reaching the distance in this five-round war. The challenger will likely employ more low kicks after watching Rodtang having trouble with those in his last two bouts with Superlek and Denis Puric.
However, ‘The Iron Man’s' fight IQ is madly underrated and I expect him to adjust with well-timed counterstriking. The Bangkok-based star should once again display his technical brilliance in the early goings.
However, I believe the berserker we all know and love will eventually come out. I predict 'The Iron Man' making this a dirty fight in close quarters and slicing up Smith with his wicked elbows.
Mike Murillo: Rodtang via decision
Rodtang dominated Jacob Smith in their first encounter back in 2022 but I don’t see that happening in their scheduled rematch at ONE 169. However, I see ‘The Iron Man’ still emerging victorious in the redo by decision.
Unlike in their first encounter, where Smith seemingly had no firmer grasp of what the divisional king was fully capable of doing and fighting on a grand stage like ONE, this time around the Englishman should improve on those fronts, allowing him to put up a better stand come fight night.
But while I expect Smith to come out much improved in the rematch, the defending king continues to be a handful for all-comers for the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title and I still have to see if the British challenger has finally figured it out.
Making the Thai superstar even more dangerous heading into the rematch is his desire to finish Smith this time around and not leave it to the judges like in their first meeting.
Such will make it double the pressure the challenger will be experiencing from the champion.
James De Rozario: Rodtang via decision
Rodtang takes this one without a doubt, but expect him to be in for a ride until the end.
'The Iron Man' dished out a striking clinic to best Smith in their first encounter, but the Englishman packs plenty more experience heading into this rematch.
Smith's punching power will trouble the Jitmuangnon Gym man. His ability to pick the best shots played a crucial role in his fights against Puric and Goncalves, and it will give him some confidence to wade into enemy territory against 'The Iron Man'.
That said, his only downfall will be resisting the damage that will come his way. It's hard to put your guard up for so long when Rodtang is throwing with speed and power down the middle.
As such, I expect the Thai striker to secure the nod from all the judges at ringside. The flyweight Muay Thai kingpin will make the most of every opportunity he gets to trade leather, doing what he does best down to a tee to ensure he just about outnumbers Smith in their redo.
Vince Richards: Rodtang via third- or fourth-round KO
Just chalk one more world title win for Rodtang.
As much as Jacob Smith has evolved over time, I don’t see this match going any other way besides a win for 'The Iron Man'.
Don’t get me wrong, Smith will still make it a fight and will have his moments, but history has told us that the Thai megastar is practically unbeatable whenever he puts the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title on the line.
Will the Jitmuangnon Gym man be in his usual antics of letting opponents punch him in the face? I don’t think so. But I do see him blasting multiple hooks down Smith’s way.
Smith is a tough individual, and I believe he can reach the final round of this fight and hear the judges’ decision.
Rodtang, however, has been looking leaner and meaner these past few weeks and I see him scoring the stoppage win in the third or fourth round.