Rodtang Jitmuangnon has carried the banner for Muay Thai as the game’s greatest star. At ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug, he returns to defend the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in opposition to acquainted opposition. “The Iron Man” meets Jacob Smith as a part of a stacked lineup in Bangkok on November 8.
Having competed in opposition to Smith already at ONE 157 in 2022, Rodtang is aware of what makes the Brit powerful contained in the ring. Nevertheless, that additionally means the ONE Championship star is aware of the place he’ll maintain the sting as soon as the bell rings. Based on the 27-year-old, velocity would be the final distinction on combat evening.
“The most effective weapon for Jacob is his sturdiness. His sturdiness makes him a tough opponent for everybody. I believe my velocity will give me a bonus over him. In our first combat, I fought him with my velocity and agility,” Rodtang remarked to ONE.
“The Iron Man” is assured, having already defeated Smith. Nevertheless, this bout will likely be 5 rounds as a substitute of the three-round bout they’d in 2022. Nonetheless, Rodtang expects a fast begin to give him an early edge in opposition to Smith.
“He’s nonetheless the identical when it comes to his type. It’s like his engine is gradual to warmth up. He thinks and acts a bit gradual,” Rodtang stated.
Regardless of Smith’s toughness, Rodtang is gunning for an additional knockout efficiency. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply he’ll exhaust all his choices to chase the end. “The Iron Man” doesn’t take the 32-year-old evenly, wanting to offer followers one more reason to cheer inside Lumpinee Stadium.
“I’ll do my finest to knock him out. I needed to knock him out as a result of I needed the bonus. However I can’t underestimate my opponent as a result of Jacob Smith is hard and sturdy. Together with his sturdy physique, I can’t underestimate him,” the flyweight king acknowledged.
Rodtang has struggled to be constant along with his weight previously. In his final match, a kickboxing bout in opposition to Denis Puric, he got here in obese. On condition that it is a match for his gold, Rodtang is ensuring he’s doing every part doable to not lose the title on the size.
“I’ll do something to make it possible for I don’t make the identical mistake once more as a result of if I make one other mistake, the belt will slip out of my arms,” the Thai star stated.
Though Rodtang desires to maintain the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title, this match is much more vital as he desires to proceed the game’s progress. The 27-year-old implored his followers to face behind him at ONE 169 to proceed that mission. Rodtang has been the usual bearer for Muay Thai’s potential to generate a worldwide celebrity, and he desires to ship one other probability to point out why “the artwork of eight limbs” is probably the most thrilling fight sport going right this moment.
“I wish to go away a message for everybody: I’ll do my finest for this combat. I need all of the followers in Thailand to return to see this combat on the stadium or watch it on native TV. Everybody, please cheer me on. I need Muay Thai to achieve a fair higher stage around the globe. I’m one one who will assist promote Muay Thai so far as doable,” Rodtang commented.
ONE 169 airs dwell on Prime Video on Friday, November 8. The motion begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The occasion is free for all Amazon Prime members within the U.S. and Canada.
