“My first fight at that elite level” - Jacob Smith says humbling loss to Rodtang was an eye-opening experience

Jacob Smith struggled a lot in his first match against Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon. He, however, said he learned a lot from it, which only helped him grow as a fighter, and something he looks to redeem himself from in their rematch next month.

The Englishman faced off with 'The Iron Man' in his promotional debut in May 2022 in a ONE flyweight Muay Thai world grand prix quarterfinal match. While he fought gallantly and took the match the full route, he would lose by unanimous decision.

In an interview with Combat Sports Today, which was uploaded on YouTube on Oct. 19, Smith recalled how it felt like in his ONE debut and to go up against a established star like Rodtang, saying:

"It's my first fight in ONE Championship, my first fight at that elite level, but not just at an elite level, against the most elite fighter at my weight and first fight in four-ounce gloves. It was the first for many things. It was my first fight away from home as well."

Check out what he had to say below:

Jacob Smith is out to showcase how he has grown since his first fight against Rodtang in their rematch at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. There, he will not only go for a bounce-back win but also seize the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title from the Thai champion.

Rodtang-Smith II is the co-headlining match of the marquee event, which will be aired live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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Jacob Smith looking for a finish against Rodtang at ONE 169

While his penchant for explosive finishes has worked against him at times, Jacob Smith is still looking for one in his rematch against Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 in Thailand.

He shared this in the same interview with Combat Sports Today, vowing to emerge with a win, and if possible by way of knockout. The North West England native said:

"My prediction is a win. Now, whether that comes on points or whether that [KO] comes. Look, my style is very entertaining. I'm always going for the finish, always. Sometimes a little too much, maybe, and let's say I'm going to win the fight."

Jacob Smith is coming off a defeat in his last fight in April against Bosnian-Canadian fighter Denis Puric, adding extra motivation for him to do well in the Rodtang rematch.