"I didn't expect Rodtang to be so good" - Jacob Smith admits he never foresaw Rodtang's ferocious power

British slugger Jacob Smith has devastating power in his hands. However, the hardy striker admits that even he was taken aback by the monstrosity of Rodtang Jitmuangnon's power a couple of years back.

The No.3-ranked flyweight Muay Thai debuted in the world's largest martial arts organization in a ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Championship quarterfinal matchup against 'The Iron Man' in May 2022.

Though he got things going with his hands on occasions, the Bad Company and Team Thaifist representative was largely forced to backpedal more than he advanced, courtesy of Rodtang's brilliant forward pressure, mixing of strikes, and his well-documented power in four-ounce gloves.

Looking back at his three-round scrap against the flyweight Muay Thai king during a chat with Sportskeeda MMA, Jacob Smith said :

"If I'm being brutally honest with you mate, I didn't expect Rodtang to be so good."

With firsthand experience of what to expect from his opposite number, the Liverpool native has made all the necessary adjustments as he preps himself for a rematch against the Jitmuangnon Gym megastar at ONE 169: Atlanta.

The stakes for this redo are much higher, though, as the battle-tested Englishman will have a chance to level the scores and lay his hands on Rodtang's prized possession inside Georgia's State Farm Arena on Nov. 8.

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Jacob Smith believes his experience in four-ounce gloves will matter in Rodtang rematch

Jacob Smith's second encounter against Rodtang will mark the fourth time the British striker laces on the four-ounce gloves in Muay Thai.

And the Liverpudlian says he has more than learned his lesson after acknowledging that he somewhat underestimated the force of punches in the smaller mitts previously.

In the same interview, the Muay Thai specialist added:

"This time, I'm a lot better. I'm better equipped. And this is my fourth fight in them gloves now, and I know exactly what I'm doing in them gloves."

Jacob Smith vs Rodtang will be one of four world title fights locked in for ONE 169: Atlanta. The Nov. 8 bill broadcasts live in American primetime from State Farm Arena. Get your tickets here.