“I’m prepared for the very best Rodtang” - Jacob Smith anticipating ‘The Iron Man’s scariest form at ONE 169

Jacob Smith expects Rodtang to be in top form when the two go toe-to-toe at ONE 169.

Emanating from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, ONE Championship will deliver one of its biggest events of 2024, punctuated by a trio of can't-miss ONE world title matches.

In the co-main event of the evening, Smith will look to claim his first 26 pounds of gold when he challenges 'The Iron Man' for the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship.

Smith, who has already gone three rounds with 'The Iron Man' back in 2022, believes Rodtang will be even more dangerous the second time around.

Smith told the South China Morning Post:

"I’m preparing for the very best Rodtang. I’m not preparing for glimpses or times in the fight where he’s taking his eyes off the ball or he’s switching off a little bit. I’m prepared for the very best Rodtang, that’s the Rodtang that I want."

He added:

"If you’re talking about him taking his eyes off the ball, that is something that wouldn’t even come to my mind at all."

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Rodtang misses weight ahead of Jacob Smith rematch

Unfortunately, the ONE flyweight Muay Thai title match between Rodtang and Jacob Smith will only see one of them eligible to leave with the belt.

During the ONE 169 weigh-ins, Rodtang failed to make weight twice, which resulted in his being stripped of the flyweight crown—a title he's held since August 2019.

Smith, on the other hand, did meet both the weight and hydration requirements for their co-headliner meaning he will still be eligible to win the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title, should he defeat Rodtang.

If 'The Iron Man' wins, the belt will remain vacant.

It's an unfortunate turn of events, but fortunately, both parties agreed to move ahead with the contest as a 135.5-pound catchweight match, ensuring fight fans will still see one of the most anticipated rematches of the year at ONE 169.