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    • Rodtang vs. Jacob Smith II: 4 Keys to Win Muay Thai World Title at ONE 169
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    Rodtang vs. Jacob Smith II: 4 Keys to Win Muay Thai World Title at ONE 169

    Online Niel Posted on

    If Rodtang “Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and Jacob SmithHis rematch is half as entertaining as their first meeting, fans are in for a treat ONE 169: Malykhin vs. I’m sorry I’m sorry.

    Rodtang’s ONE Flyweight Muay Thai world title will be on the line when the pair clash in US primetime on Friday, November 8, meaning there is the potential for five rounds of action this time around.

    “The Iron Man” dominated Smith en route to a decision victory ONE 157 in May 2022, but the No. 3 Englishman will be hungry for redemption as he seeks Muay Thai’s biggest prize.

    Can Rodtang pull off another win with a similar performance, or has Smith improved enough in two years to turn his fortunes around? Here are the biggest keys to victory ahead of the massive battle at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

    Rodtang #1’s heavy punches both ways

    Rodtang’s volume on the front foot is always a nightmare for his opponents, but against an equally aggressive foe, his success doesn’t just come from one-way traffic.

    While “The Iron Man” will certainly look to lead exchanges and score with his punishing array of strikes, his often-overlooked defense will provide big landing opportunities.

    He has impeccable timing when he leans into his strikes and excellent balance that allows him to counter with power right away.

    If Smith overcomes his offense, he can be expected to eat volleys of punches in response, his momentum adding to Rodtang’s heavy counter punches.

    With the added safety net of his unrivaled chin, the Thai megastar has full confidence in his ability to find openings in his opponent’s aggression to hit harder.

    #2 Smith’s Feints

    Rodtang knew Smith would come at him hard in their first match and did a great job of exploiting him, but if the challenger mixes up his attacks, he could find more openings and eat fewer counters.

    Smith has looked more measured in recent performances and has shown elements of his offense that could help him as he looks to dethrone Rodtang.

    Against Walter Goncalvesthe 32-year-old felt around with his punches and kicks to gauge his rival’s reactions, and when he saw openings, he attacked with venom.

    It opened up some big shots to the head and gave him a way to attack the body with painful shots to the liver.

    This is also a good way to try to slow down Rodtang’s offense, which can be overwhelming when building momentum. If he can keep “Iron Man” guessing, Smith could discourage him from consistently moving forward.

    #3 Rodtang’s Elbows

    Rodtang found the most success with his elbows when he first faced Smith.

    The British fighter looked like he’d been through a meat grinder after absorbing dozens of them throughout the battle, leaving him bloodied from the start of the first round.

    Expect “The Iron Man” to throw those elbows again consistently given their previous success and exacerbated by his opponent’s willingness to meet fire with fire.

    Whenever Smith left too much space with his hooks, Rodtang came into them with scythes that did huge damage.

    He also followed through with his elbows as the Birkenhead native stayed on his feet, landing clean shots behind his jabs and uppercuts.

    #4 Smith’s commitment to the game plan

    Smith admitted that his biggest failure in the first match was that he thought he could beat Rodtang toe-to-toe by being stronger and more physical.

    While his toughness never failed him, it was a tactical error that led him to meet “Iron Man” on his terms – and pay the price.

    Smith needs to keep his natural inclination to keep him in check and make sure he stays true to his game plan.

    With highly experienced coaches in his corner who have mentored many World Champions, he must trust their vision and not get caught up in the moment.

    The Brit has spent more time in ONE Championship so far, so he has a better handle on the emotions of the big show. That should help him when he steps up for the biggest fight of his life on Friday.

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