Jacob Smith on why Rodtang cannot be as animated as he typically is against him: "He knows I'm too dangerous for that"

Jacob Smith is expecting the very best version of his opponent when he returns at ONE 169 in several weeks.

For the Brit, it's the biggest fight of his career and his first opportunity to get his hands on ONE Championship gold.

However, for Rodtang Jitmuangnon, this is just another outing under the brightest spotlight which he is absolutely no stranger to.

The pair first met back in 2022 where the Thai superstar was dominant over three rounds.

Though he's had some crazy fights as of late, Smith does not expect the same version of 'The Iron Man' to stand across from him at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 8.

He believes that Rodtang showed him more respect in their previous fight and will do the same when they collide for a second time with the flyweight gold on the line:

"The first time I fought him, you know, I've improved so much since then. But even then, he took me seriously, he didn't fight me the way he fought everyone else. He wasn't banging himself on his chin with his hands by his sides, giving away free shots. He knows I'm too dangerous for that. So yeah, I'm expecting the best Rodtang."

Watch the full interview below:

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Jacob Smith is more than ready this time around

Jacob Smith has had no problem admitting that he was overwhelmed in his ONE Championship debut against Rodtang.

His toughness got him through the fight but he was not able to be competitive despite going the distance.

In the time since, he believes he's made the right adjustments that will see him come out on top in the rematch.

Even if Rodtang starts to walk him down and taunt towards the battle-hardened challenger, this won't phase him after what he went through the first time they locked horns.