"All the hard work's done" - Jacob Smith is primed to take out rival Rodtang in highly-anticipated rematch

Jacob Smith is enjoying fight week in Bangkok, Thailand before he attempts to claim the biggest prize in Muay Thai in a hotly-anticipated rematch at ONE 169.

The third-ranked contender has a chance to win the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title, which is now vacant after Rodtang Jitmuangnon missed weight during the event's official weigh-ins yesterday.

Their rematch will serve as the co-main event of the promotion's latest American primetime card inside the Lumpinee Stadium this Friday, November 8.

During an interview with Bangkok Post this week, the 32-year-old fighting out of Thaifist and Four Corners Gym admitted that he's taken his foot off the gas pedal slightly to recharge his tank for war:

"You know what, mate, I'm not [doing much training]. I've just been training in the training room. All the hard work's done. So we're just about recovering, making sure I'm 100 percent and ready to claim the title and put on a show."

Watch the full interview here:

Jacob Smith was handed a rough start to his tenure in the world's largest martial arts organization when he went toe-to-toe with 'The Iron Man' at ONE 157 in May 2022.

However, the Brit believes he's picked up some much-needed experience and equipped himself with better weapons to thwart Rodtang's dreams of repeating history this Friday.

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Jacob Smith aims to keep his energy 'in check' for Lumpinee barnburner vs Rodtang

Jacob Smith does his best work when he's biting on his mouthguard and throwing punches and strikes at his opposite number.

He plans to tone that down this time around, though.

In a separate interview with the promotion, the Liverpool fan detailed his plan for the fight, addressing that his key to victory is to ensure he doesn't fall bait to the Thai's ability to draw opponents out.

"I'm going to keep them in check this time. Sometimes, I get drawn into a scrap too easily, whereas this time, I'm not going to. I'm going to remain smart and conserved."

Case in point, Rodtang always uses his aggression and forward pressure to punish anyone who stands across him.

So stylistically it won't be something too sustainable if he dreams of walking out of the Thai capital as the newly crowned ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion.

ONE 169, which emanates live from the Lumpinee Stadium, will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America this Friday, November 8.