“It means absolutely nothing” - Jacob Smith says Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s status didn’t faze him at ONE Championship debut

Jacob Smith doesn't care for idolatry or name status.

When the British slugger made his ONE Championship debut, he faced Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinals at ONE 157 in May 2022.

Smith said in an interview with ONE Championship that he was fully aware of Rodtang's status in the sport, but that didn't faze him when he stood across the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion inside the Circle.

That sentiment carried over to the present as Smith heads into a career-defining rematch when he challenges Rodtang for the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title in the co-main event of ONE 169 on November 8, US primetime, at Lumpinee Stadium.

Jacob Smith said:

"Zero. I don’t this time either. However popular he is, however good he is, it means absolutely nothing to me at all this time."

Smith always carried a no-nonsense personality, and he wants to showcase that side of his character when he marches to arguably the biggest match of his career.

Taking down Rodtang, however, is a tall order for anyone on the planet.

Rodtang is a perfect 6-0 in his world title matches in ONE Championship, with victories over Jonathan Haggerty, twice, Walter Goncalves, Petchdam Petchyindee, Joseph Lasiri, and Edgar Tabares.

Smith's world title challenge of Rodtang, and the entire ONE 169 card, are available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Jacob Smith says he's laser-focused on beating Rodtang at ONE 169

There's only one goal that's been on Jacob Smith's mind over the past few months: to take the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title from Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

In an interview with Cageside Press, Smith said his only concern is pulling off the major upset and capturing the flyweight Muay Thai throne for himself.

"I train twice a day. Five days a week. One day a week for rest. I’ve said this before, I don’t really like to look at external factors like [how much of a legend he is]. I’m just focused on beating him."

Watch Smith's entire interview below: