SEATTLE – For the second straight fight, Rob Font conquered the task of a young up-and-comer placed in front of him by the UFC.
On the UFC Fight Night 252 main card Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena, Font (22-8 MMA, 12-7 UFC) handed Jean Matsumoto (16-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) his first career loss in exciting fashion.
“I was the underdog in this one, too?” Font said to reporters including MMA Junkie upon learning the odds at a post-fight news conference. “Come on, man. You’ve got to put some respect on my name, man.”
Font, 37, has been in the promotion since 2014. For years, he’s fought top-ranked competition including the likes of Jose Aldo, Cory Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marlon Vera.
After a 1-4 stretch, Font switched training camp locations and went to Tristar in Montreal to train under coach Firas Zahabi. He’s 2-0 since, also having defeated Kyler Phillips in October. He says confidence in the wrestling has been the biggest X-factor change in his game.
“I think before I was trying so hard not to get taken down,” Font said, of what’s changed in camp. “Obviously, I’m still working my takedown defense and all that. I just got a new confidence of getting back to my feet. Even when I first got to Tristar, we was working double-leg scrambles, single-leg scrambles. I’m getting taken down often. It’s not like I’m just stopping takedowns. I’m getting taken down but I feel like I’m getting so much better at getting back to my feet. Then, when I do start stopping takedowns, that’s when I’m like, ‘Oh, let’s go.’
“When you do take me down, I’m popping up. The moment I start digging my double-underhooks and sprawling and facing ahead, it’s going to be a problem for a lot of people. I’m almost there. I’m still figuring it out. It doesn’t come as natural to me, but I’m getting there.”
Back on a winning streak for the first time since 2021, Font hopes to keep the momentum rolling. While he’s done well against rising bantamweights, Font wants a more established name next time out.
“I hope, I hope,” Font said. “Obviously, I went from fighting at GOAT like Dominick Cruz to fighting not necessarily a newcomer but a guy who only has two fights in the UFC, is 16-0. He’s really, really impressive, super strong, talented. Obviously I’m two wins in a row. Hopefully it gets me back in there with another top name. We’ll find out soon.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 252.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
