SUMMARY
- Denis Puric and Jacob Smith will face off at ONE Fight Night 21 in an exciting Muay Thai match-up.
- However, the fighters are also planning for their future as both want to take on Rodtang next if they emerge victorious on April 5.
Denis Puric and #2-ranked Jacob Smith are about to do battle at ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Prime Video on April 5, and they’re eyeing Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon as their prize. The flyweight Muay Thai pair will lock horns in U.S. primetime at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. For Smith, a rematch with Rodtang is at the forefront of his imagination, although the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title is the ultimate goal.
The British star faced Rodtang in his ONE debut in 2022, and he has been desperate to run it back after coming up short by unanimous decision. Leading into ONE Fight Night 21, however, Smith might have to pivot onto a different target for a shot at World Title glory.
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“My goal is to be ONE Championship Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, and fingers crossed by the end of the year that comes through,” he said. “Rodtang is the champion and Superlek is number one. After beating Walter, I’m now number two. Rodtang and Superlek are probably gonna fight each other again soon, then I should get the shot at the winner after I beat Puric.”
The British star isn’t the only one gunning for a fight against Rodtang.
Denis Puric calls out Rodtang Jitmuangnon for his next fight
Denis Puric might have his hands full with Jacob Smith at ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video, but he hopes that a victory over the Brit will bring him one step closer to a once-in-a-lifetime shot at ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon. In a recent interview, “The Bosnian Menace” revealed that he has been eyeing up “The Iron Man” since he joined the ONE roster in 2022.
“I’m excited for the fight, man. I need that #2 spot so I can fight Rodtang soon. That’s what I signed up for. I didn’t sign up to fight these punks. But I mean, I gotta do what I gotta do. I need to take everyone out,” he said.
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“He got beat up every round when he fought Rodtang. I don’t think he landed two shots on him. But with me, he’s going to sleep. I’m putting him to bed early… I’m here for Rodtang and Rodtang only. I’m just touching these guys up because ONE wants me to. But they can’t hide Rodtang from me forever. He’s going to have to come out sooner or later.”
Rodtang, for his part, is still awaiting his next assignment. The 26-year-old was forced to withdraw from a January blockbuster against Takeru Segawa due to injury, but he is now fit and waiting for his next challenger. That could come in the form of his former conqueror, Superlek Kiatmoo9, who stepped in and defeated the Japanese kickboxing superstar by unanimous decision in the ONE 165 headliner.