“Everybody thinks I’m gonna lose” - Underdog Jacob Smith adopts a ‘me against the world’ mentality’ in rematch with Rodtang

Jacob Smith understands why nobody is giving him a chance in his high-stakes rematch with the great Rodtang Jitmuangnon. After all, 'The Iron Man' completely blew the British slugger out of the water when they first matched up a few years back.

Despite being counted out by the majority of fans and pundits alike, Smith said being an underdog actually plays to his advantage.

For one, he's going to have all the satisfaction in the world once he silences his critics by doing the unthinkable this coming Friday.

Smith will challenge the flyweight Muay Thai world champion in the penultimate match of ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug on Nov. 8 inside 'The Mecca of Muay Thai' Lumpinee Stadium.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, the 32-year-old Englishman said he doesn't pay the naysayers any mind.

"There’s no outside pressure on me because everybody thinks I’m gonna lose, which by the way, I absolutely f***ing love that everybody thinks I’m gonna lose because I love proving people wrong."

The Birkenhead, England native continued:

"The only pressure that I have is the pressure I’m putting on myself because of my family because I know - and it’s only me that can do it - I have the ability to change my family’s lives with one fight."

Watch Jacob Smith's full SCMP MMA interview:

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Jacob Smith says he now understands how Rodtang operates

If there's any silver lining in Jacob Smith's one-sided loss to Rodtang, is that he learned the Thai megastar's capabilities and tendencies.

The No.3-ranked flyweight MMA contender went the full distance with 'The Iron Man' and was able to pick up some valuable knowledge for their rematch.

The Bad Company and Thaifist affiliate told ONE Championship:

“I feel like this time, there are certain things I’ve been working on where I know Rodtang’s strengths more than he knows mine now. Everything is going to be better for me.”

ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will air live in US Primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America.