“I took what he had to give” - Jacob Smith proud to have survived Rodtang’s best in first encounter

ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai world title challenger Jacob Smith of the United Kingdom is beaming with confidence ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with Thai rival 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon tomorrow night.

That confidence stems from Smith's experience against Rodtang in 2022 when the two first met at ONE 157 in Singapore.

In that fight, Smith took heavy fire from Rodtang but survived the onslaught to make it to the final bell. Rodtang ended up winning a three-round unanimous decision, but Smith in turn gained confidence. He took Rodtang's best shots but remained standing at the end of it all.

Speaking to veteran MMA reporter Nic Atkin of Bangkok Post in a recent interview, Smith says he will focus on defense for this upcoming rematch with 'The Iron Man'.

The British fighter said:

"The defense is the main difference, I feel. I feel like I fought him at his very, very best as well. He prepared very well for that fight for me. The fight didn’t go the way that I planned. But I stood in front of him, I took what he had to give. So this time, it’s gonna be different."

Needless to say, Smith has a golden opportunity here to finally claim victory over Rodtang and become a ONE world champion.

Jacob Smith goes for gold against Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 169

The United Kingdom's Jacob Smith is set for a highly anticipated rematch against Muay Thai megastar 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Drama at the weigh-ins unfolded yesterday, as Rodtang was stripped of the flyweight Muay Thai world title after failing to pass weight and hydration.

As a result, only Smith is eligible to win the gold should he defeat 'The Iron Man'.

The fight takes place in the co-main event of ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 8.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.