Jacob Smith says he’ll keep his energy “in check this time” for second crack at Rodtang at ONE 169

Jacob Smith is far too smart to repeat the same mistake twice.

The British slugger has learned from the mistakes in his ONE Championship debut, and he plans to apply that experience when he gets another crack at Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 169.

Smith will face Rodtang for the vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title in the card's co-main event on Friday, US primetime, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Smith said he was too aggressive for his liking when he faced Rodtang in his promotional debut at ONE 157 in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Quarterfinals.

Jacob Smith pointed out he'd be more technical and would carefully pick his spots when he faces Rodtang for the second time in his career.

He said:

"I’m going to keep them in check this time. Sometimes I get drawn into a scrap too easily, whereas this time I’m not going to. I’m going to remain smart and conserved."

Smith immediately charged Rodtang in their ONE 157 encounter, and it was a mistake he nearly paid a lethal price for.

Rodtang bludgeoned Smith for the entire three-round fight to capture the unanimous decision win.

Nevertheless, Smith has since wisened up and believes a clinical and technical approach is the best way to counter Rodtang's brawling and unending onslaught.

Smith's pivotal match against 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 hellbent on silencing his doubters in world title challenge against Rodtang at ONE 169

Jacob Smith didn't just embrace the underdog role, he's taken up a "me against the world" mentality.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Smith suggested that every fight fan is already counting him out in his match against Rodtang in Bangkok.

This stream of negativity only lit up Smith's burning passion ahead of his bid to capture the vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title:

"There’s no outside pressure on me because everybody thinks I’m gonna lose, which by the way, I absolutely f***ing love that everybody thinks I’m gonna lose because I love proving people wrong."

Watch Smith's entire interview below: