“It's sad to see him not fighting” - Jacob Smith says watching good pal Liam Harrison retire is a bittersweet moment

British striker Jacob Smith said seeing friend and training partner Liam Harrison no longer competing in ONE Championship is bittersweet for him. But, he understands where the veteran fighter was coming from when he made the decision and fully supports it.

'Hitman' made it known that his comeback match last month in the United States was going to be his last in the promotion and that he is looking to have one more match in the United Kingdom before officially calling it a career.

Speaking to Combat Sports Today in an interview, which was uploaded on YouTube on Oct. 19, Jacob Smith shared his thoughts on the Harrison's decision to virtually retire after his most recent match.

The Bad Company affiliate said:

"Yeah, well, he hasn't officially retired as he's just not going to be fighting in ONE Championship. It's not affected me at all. You know, Liam's a mate of mine, and he's not just a training partner to me I'd like to say.

"It's sad to see him not fighting on that stage, but at the same time, if he knows that his body can't handle four-ounce gloves anymore, then why would he ruin his legacy? Or why would he maybe ruin his legacy fighting when he should have been retired."

Check out what he had to say below:

In his last ONE match, Harrison lost to fellow veteran Seksan Or Kwanmuang in their catchweight Muay Thai showdown in ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 by TKO in the seocnd round. The match marked the return of 'Hitman' after over two years of recovering from a knee injury.

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Jacob Smith out to realize world championship dreams at ONE 169

While he saw training partner Liam Harrison exit ONE Championship, Jacob Smith is pushing on with his journey in the promotion and is looking to take it to an even higher level in his next match as he vies for a world title.

The Englishman shoots for the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title against reigning champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a rematch of their first encounter two years ago, where 'The Iron Man' emerged victorious by decision.

Heading into the contest, Jacob Smith said he is better prepared in his rematch unlike in their first meeting in May 2022, which was his ONE debut, where he did not have a full grasp of what Rodtang's game was all about.

The Rodtang-Smith II title match is the co-headliner at ONE 169, which will be aired live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.