“He’s obliterated most people” - Jacob Smith gives props to Rodtang for monstrous run in ONE Championship

32-year-old English firecracker Jacob Smith knows when to give credit where it's due, and he is giving Muay Thai megastar 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon his props mere months before their epic rematch.

Smith and Rodtang run it back in November in the United States, but the former says he now has more respect for his rival than ever before.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Smith talked about Rodtang and gave 'The Iron Man' his due.

The 32-year-old Bad Company / Thaifist representative said:

"I have a lot of respect for him cause he’s obliterated most people. But I also get the side that he hasn’t fought or fought the same level of Thai fighters who will or may give him a hard time. But it's all buts isn’t it? Me, personally, I’ve been impressed with his run so far."

Smith first met Rodtang at ONE 157 in May of 2022. At the time, Smith was making his ONE Championship debut and didn't get what all the hype was about surrounding Rodtang.

Unfortunately for him, Smith found out the hard way. Rodtang pieced him up for three whole rounds, en route to a unanimous decision. Having experienced fighting Rodtang firsthand, Smith knows what to expect in their rematch.

Jacob Smith rematches Rodtang Jitmuangnon for flyweight Muay Thai gold at ONE 169: Atlanta

Jacob Smith of the United Kingdom is set to run it back with ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon of Thailand.

The two battle for the gold at ONE 169: Atlanta, which broadcasts live from the State Farm Arena on Friday, Nov. 8.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live via Amazon Prime Video. For more information on how to watch, please visit ONE Championship's official website.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.