Rodtang vs Smith II, and why ONE 169: Atlanta is a must-watch
American fans rejoiced following news of Rodtang Jitmuangnon's addition to ONE 169: Atlanta at State Farm Arena on November 8.
The reigning and undisputed flyweight Muay Thai world champion will defend his throne against familiar foe Jacob Smith, live in US Primetime and free for Prime Video subscribers in North America.
Judging by how absolutely bonkers their first meeting went, fight fans will be in for another wild night when these two slug it out in four-ounce gloves for five rounds, if need be, with 26 pounds of gold on the line.
By now, it appears that the legend of 'The Iron Man' has already swept the entire globe. After all, what's not to love? It's not every day you see a fearless berserker with an indestructible chin charge forward with evil intent.
Behind all that bravado, though, lies an extremely technical understanding of 'The Art of Eight Limbs', along with some ridiculous mind-numbing power.
While all eyes will definitely be on Rodtang, Jacob Smith is also one tough son of a gun who shouldn't be underestimated.
The fighting Brit is an absolute destroyer, capable of delivering dynamite blows from all angles.
The Bad Company and Thai Fist affiliate's graceful technique allows him to go toe-to-toe with some of the best in the game. Smith also doesn't mind getting down and dirty and will willingly engage in a phonebooth exchange with his nasty elbows and knees from the clinch.
How Rodtang and Jacob Smith's first match went
Rodtang and Smith first crossed swords at ONE 157 back in 2022. While the latter was making his promotional debut, against a superstar opponent no less, he fought valiantly and earned some fans along the way.
Smith's combinations were swift and sharp, but Rodtang was simply on a whole different level that evening.
The Thai megastar's speed stood out the most, as he ran circles around his British foe. Smith was already a bloody mess by round 2. Rodtang continued the onslaught and methodically beat him up from start to finish.
As intense as that brawl was, it was Rodtang's display of pure class after the bell that quite frankly, stole the show.
Rewatch that epic barnburner, here:
Four world titles are now up for grabs at ONE 169: Atlanta
So far, we have four confirmed bouts in ONE's venture to 'The Big Peach'. Simply put, you don't want to miss this star-studded affair.
Apart from the sequel to Rodtang vs Smith, ONE 169 will also feature the long-awaited return of Christian Lee. 'The Warrior' will defend his lightweight MMA crown against the undefeated Alibeg Rasulov.
A colossal match-up between three-division MMA king Anatoly Malykhin and streaking 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane for the heavyweight MMA crown is also slated to go down.
As far as trilogies go, the saga between featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai PK Saenchai and 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut is as enticing as it comes.
Stay tuned to ONE Championship and Sportskeeda MMA for updates on this developing card.
Tickets for ONE 169: Atlanta are available via Ticketmaster