“I don't see it as enemy territory” - British striker Jacob Smith feels right at home in Thailand

British striker Jacob Smith may be heading into enemy territory at ONE 169, but he certainly doesn't see it that way.

Emanating from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Smith will square off with reigning and defending ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in just one of four massive ONE world title fights at the promotion's next Amazon Prime Video offering.

Smith will meet 'The Iron Man' on his home turf, but during a recent interview with Combat Sports Today, the third-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender refused to consider fighting in Thailand a disadvantage.

"I don't see it as enemy territory. I see it as my home also, it's the home of Muay Thai. I'm fighting for the biggest prize in Muay Thai, in the best place to fight Muay Thai. It's perfect for me. [The change in venue for ONE 169] actually worked out better for me, to be honest."

It will be Smith's second time squaring off with Rodtang in as many years—the first coming at ONE 157.

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Jacob Smith ready to flip the script against Rodtang the second time around

Making his promotional debut in May 2022, Jacob Smith was immediately thrown into the fire, going toe-to-toe with 'The Iron Man' for three rounds.

Though Smith went the distance, he walked away from the fight a battered and bloodied mess after absorbing a series of vicious elbows from the Thai superstar.

Since then, Smith has earned his way into the top five via a brutal knee knockout against Walter Goncalves followed by a closely-contested clash with 'The Bosnian Menace' Denis Puric in his last outing.

Can Smith shock the world and unseat 'The Iron Man' from his flyweight Muay Thai throne, or will Rodtang once again dominate the Brit en route to yet another successful title defense?

Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. ‘Reug Reug’ live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, November 8 in U.S. primetime.