Rodtang expects tough challenge from former foe Jacob Smith at ONE 169: “A very strong fighter”

Reigning and undisputed ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon can't wait to take on former foe Jacob Smith of the United Kingdom in a highly anticipated rematch in a couple of weeks.

Rodtang remembers just how tough of a fighter Smith was from their initial encounter in May 2022, which is why the Thai striking icon is excited to face off with the Englishman once more.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Rodtang talked about just how dangerous of an opponent Smith truly is.

'The Iron Man' stated:

"He was a tough guy, a very strong fighter. I cut him with my elbow three times, and he was still standing. It was surprising for me to see a man losing that much blood and still had the strength to keep the game going."

'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon will put the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title on the line against former adversary Jacob Smith in a much-awaited rematch.

The two go to war at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 8.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.

Jacob Smith was surprised at Rodtang's technical ability in first fight: "Something that I hadn't quite faced before"

Talk about underestimating an opponent at the worst possible time, Jacob Smith looked back on his first encounter with 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon two years ago.

The 32-year-old admits he didn't expect Rodtang to be so technically sound.

He told Combat Sports Today:

"In terms of Rodtang, I feel like there was nothing that he possessed physically that I didn't expect. And it's a thing that caught me by surprise was how good he actually was technically, something that I hadn't quite faced before."