“It did come a bit too soon” - Jacob Smith reflects on first fight with Rodtang ahead of ONE 169: Atlanta rematch

Third-ranked ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai contender Jacob Smith of the United Kingdom believes he wasn't able to represent himself well in his first fight with reigning divisional king 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon in 2022.

Smith fought the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion at ONE 157 two years ago and lost via unanimous decision. Rodtang ended up making the UK man a permanent fixture in his highlight reel.

Since then, however, Smith says he has improved a lot and will be able to showcase more of what he is capable of in their upcoming rematch.

Smith told Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview:

"Probably, [that first fight] did come a bit too soon, to be fair, in a way. However, I'm not using that as an excuse."

No.3-ranked Jacob Smith is set to challenge reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon anew at ONE 169: Atlanta.

The event broadcasts live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, Nov. 8.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video, but for those who want to watch the event in-stadium, tickets are available on Ticketmaster.

Jacob Smith admits he underestimated Rodtang in first fight: "I didn't really know what to expect"

Jacob Smith is coming into his rematch with flyweight Muay Thai king 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 169: Atlanta as a man humbled. The 31-year-old from the United Kingdom admits he underestimated the Thai superstar when they first locked horns in May of 2022.

Smith vows to put his best foot forward in their rematch later this year, and will never underestimate 'The Iron Man' again.

He told Sportskeeda MMA:

"I didn't really know what to expect with the gloves, the level of opponent as well. Obviously, the best of the best."