“Jacob is a powerful striker as well” - Lito Adiwang says constant movement will be key for Jacob Smith in world title challenge vs. Rodtang

Lito Adiwang believes Jacob Smith has one important key in figuring out the violent puzzle of Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Smith will challenge Rodtang for the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title in the co-main event of the stacked ONE 169 card on Nov. 8 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Adiwang said Smith can't afford to stay in the pocket against a heavy hitter like Rodtang.

The Filipino star detailed that if Smith wants to establish his offense against the seemingly indestructible Rodtang, he has to use his ring IQ and dart in and out of the Thai megastar's range.

Lito Adiwang said:

"Let’s not forget that Jacob is a powerful striker as well. So just to add to that, he should move around and utilize his footwork."

Smith has all the power in the world to stand and bang against any fighter, but Rodtang is an all too different beast.

Rodtang has an adamantine chin that no mere fighter has yet to crack, and the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion already holds a win over Smith in ONE Championship.

Smith faced off against Rodtang in his ONE Championship debut at ONE 157 in May 2022 but lost in a complete brawl against 'The Iron Man' in Singapore.

Despite the loss, Smith remained one of the most dangerous strikers in the division and fully warranted his spot as Rodtang's next challenger for the flyweight Muay Thai gold.

Smith's world title challenge against Rodtang, and the entire ONE 169 card, is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Lito Adiwang says what makes Rodtang such a formidable opponent

Many have been told about Rodtang Jitmuangnon's mythical aura, but what Lito Adiwang said of the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion perfectly encapsulated that persona.

In the same interview with Sportskeeda MMA, the strawweight MMA contender said Rodtang has the unique trait of rattling his opponents during matches.

"His iron chin, of course. But also his pressure and fight IQ. He’s able to connect the three elements in a special way. It’s different when you get pressured by someone like him who throws very powerful strikes because it gets you rattled."