ONE 169: Challenger Jacob Smith vows to bring "a lot more skill and lot more IQ" in high-stakes rematch with Rodtang

UK rising star Jacob Smith expects the fans to see a stronger and more skillful version of himself when he rematches Rodtang at ONE 169: Atlanta.

Not too long ago, the British striker stood across from the scariest fighter in the division without an ounce of fear or trepidation of what was to come. Although Smith didn't come out unscathed, he proved his toughness and durability for three full rounds against 'The Iron Man.'

With another training camp underway, Smith promised to show the fans that he's grown a lot more lethal since his first encounter with the Thai world champion in 2022.

Speaking to SCMP MMA, he vowed:

"The fans can expect everything I usually bring but with a lot more skill and a lot more IQ."

Smith has spent the last few years evolving and training at Bad Company headquarters in the UK, alongside Muay Thai legend 'Hitman' Liam Harrison. Even though he came up short in his last outing against Denis 'The Bosnian Menace' Puric in April, he's sure to give fans a deliriously violent performance on Nov. 8.

Rewatch Rodtang vs. Jacob Smith compete at the Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Quaterfinals below:

Tickets for ONE 169 are available via Ticketmaster.

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"It's a snappy one" - Bad Company coach Liam Harrison calls Jacob Smith's low kick the most powerful weapon in his arsenal

There's a lot more that Jacob Smith can bring to the table than meets the eye.

According to Bad Company coach Liam Harrison, Smith's greatest weapon is his lightning-fast low-kicks.

The 'Hitman' previously told ONE:

"[Smith's] got a very good low kick, it's a snappy one. It's very similar to mine. He's modeled himseld on my style of low kicking, so it's very similar to that."

Harrison is considered by the Muay Thai community as the low-kick master, where one good kick could instantly hinder an opponent's capacity to continue putting weight on their lead leg.

In all accounts, one good strike is all that Smith needs to turn the tables against Rodtang, just like he did in the Walter Gonclaves fight last December.