British Muay Thai star Jacob Smith believes that winning the ONE flyweight championship will be a life-changing experience for him.
Smith had his first run-in with Rodtang Jitmuangnon in 2022, but he suffered defeat at the hands of the flyweight champ. Since then, Smith has gone on to compete against fighters like Walter Goncalves, whom he beat with a stunning knockout, and Denis Puric. Smith has since been looking for a rematch opportunity, and it seems his time has finally come. Smith believes he is the only one who has the key to Rodtang’s defeat and is eager to prove this despite suffering defeat the last time.
“It was an easy win for him last time. I didn’t quite understand how good he was until I got in there with him. He was a step or two ahead of me throughout it all. It’s as simple as that.
“I’m not going to make any excuses about it. I don’t personally think I could’ve done any more on that day. Don’t forget, this was two years ago. It was my first fight in ONE Championship. It was my first fight in 4-ounce gloves.
“Not only was it my first fight at the highest level, it was against the most elite Muay Thai fighter you can get, so it was tough.”
Smith is eager for a payback and plans on finishing with a knockout. He agrees that defeating Rodtang will raise his rankings and have an immense impact on his career.
“Whether I’m fighting for a McDonald’s Happy Meal or whether I’m fighting for the ONE Championship World Title is irrelevant. I get up in the morning because I’m a fighter and because I want to win every fight I’m in.
“The fight itself, to accomplish gaining the World Title, is unbelievable. It could change my children’s lives. It’s what I wake up every day thinking about. But it doesn’t change how hard I train. I train as hard as I can no matter what’s in front of me.”
The fighter knows he is in for a hard fight, as Rodtang is considered one of the best strikers on the planet. Smith is confident about winning the battle and has been training for it. He believes he has what it takes to win the fight, and he will try his hardest to get the belt.
“Let’s just see how the fight plays out. I feel like five rounds favor me. I’m very fit, and I always come on strong towards the later rounds. I’m sure Rodtang is the same, but all I know is I’m going into this fight to win 100 percent.
“How that comes, who knows. If I see an opening, then I’m going to go for it. But if not, I’m going to stick to the plan and get the job done.”
“My prediction is a win. Now, whether that comes on points or whether that [KO] comes. Look, my style is very entertianing. I’m always going for the finish, always. Somethimes a little too much, maybe, let’s say I’m going to win the fight.”
Smith will be entering the cage with a decision loss against Denis Puric. ONE 169 will take place in Thailand on November 8.
