Career Averages - Rob Font
Career Averages - Adrian Yañez
Rob Font
Adrian Yañez
Rob Font - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 0 | 10 of 31 | 32% | 29 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:13 |
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 0 | 8 of 33 | 24% | 47 of 75 | 16 of 18 | 88% | 0 | 1 | 10:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 0 | 7 of 20 | 35% | 8 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 0 | 5 of 22 | 22% | 12 of 29 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 0 | 0 | 2:11 | |
| 2 | Rob Font | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:13 |
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 17 of 23 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 4:07 | |
| 3 | Rob Font | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 18 of 23 | 8 of 9 | 88% | 0 | 0 | 3:47 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 10 of 31 | 32% | 6 of 25 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 8 of 33 | 24% | 5 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 7 of 20 | 35% | 4 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 5 of 22 | 22% | 2 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rob Font | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Rob Font | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Raul Rosas Jr. | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo highlights that Rob Font is a technical striker with no takedown defense, while Raul Rosas is a relentless grappler with fantastic control. He expects Rosas to wrestle and get as many takedowns as he wants, as long as he doesn't try to box with Font. He calls it a Raul showcase.
Big Brady picks Raul Rosas Jr. over Rob Font. He highlights Font's poor takedown defense (43%) and tendency to be controlled on the ground, as seen in the Cory Sandhagen fight. Rosas Jr. has improved cardio and should be able to take Font down and hold him there. Brady expects a decision win for Rosas Jr., as Font has good defensive grappling but won't take risks to get up.
Cody leans toward Rosas Jr., citing Font's poor takedown defense and Rosas's youth and improvement. He notes Font's age and slowing down, and expects Rosas to rack up control time and win a decision. He mentions the Chiawei effect as a factor.
Connor picks Rosas, citing Font's poor takedown defense (43% career) and Rosas's relentless wrestling. He notes that Font got taken down seven times by John Matsumoto and still won, but Sandhagen's disciplined wrestling led to a loss. Connor believes Rosas's commitment to wrestling will be enough, despite Rosas's underdeveloped striking and youth. He acknowledges Font's toughness but sees a clear path for Rosas.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Raul Rosas Jr., citing Rob Font's poor takedown defense and getup game, especially as he fatigues. He believes Rosas has matured since his loss to Cristian Rodriguez and will submit Font. Vreeland acknowledges Font's experience but thinks Rosas's grappling will be the difference.
The host argues that Raul Rosas Jr. is a good bet despite being a favorite because of the extreme age gap (18 years younger), Font's poor takedown defense (42% takedown offense, gave up takedowns to Matsumoto, Figueiredo, Sandhagen), and Font's reliance on volume striking rather than power. He believes Rosas Jr. will stick to Font like glue, outgrapple him, and win two out of three rounds. He notes that Font's windows to strike will be slim due to constant takedown threats.
James picks Rob Font as an underdog, believing Font is the much better striker who will win the minutes on the feet. He acknowledges Rosas Jr.'s grappling threat but questions whether Rosas can hold Font down for extended periods, citing Font's ability to get back up in recent fights. James also notes that Rosas has never fought at this level and has been reversed in previous fights, making Font the value side. However, he admits Font's chin is a concern and that Rosas could hurt him.
Rosas Jr. is persistent with his grappling and will eventually take Font down and control him. Font has been susceptible to wrestlers. Rosas should win a decision, but the line is too high; only play if it drops to -150.
Paul picks Rosas Jr. but with hesitation, noting his takedown ability but concerns about gassing. He thinks Rosas will get early takedowns and control, but Font's get-up game is good. He suggests betting live after seeing if Font can get back up.
The MMA Guru picks Raul Rosas Jr., citing his relentless grappling and Font's struggles against grapplers (e.g., Sandhagen). He believes Rosas will take Font down and control him, winning by decision. He mentions the New England Cartel curse.
Zane picks Font, noting that Font has been taken down many times but still wins fights. He points out that Rosas's game is limited and that Font's experience and ability to do damage on the feet will be key. Zane acknowledges the risk from Rosas's speed and confidence, but believes Font's toughness and veteran savvy will carry him. He compares it to Font's win over Matsumoto.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 0 | 49 of 158 | 31% | 49 of 158 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| David Martínez | 0 | 62 of 155 | 40% | 115 of 210 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 0 | 11 of 51 | 21% | 11 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| David Martínez | 0 | 22 of 45 | 48% | 35 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rob Font | 0 | 15 of 49 | 30% | 15 of 49 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| David Martínez | 0 | 10 of 27 | 37% | 30 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 | |
| 3 | Rob Font | 0 | 23 of 58 | 39% | 23 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| David Martínez | 0 | 30 of 83 | 36% | 50 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 49 of 158 | 31% | 40 of 138 | 7 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 49 of 158 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| David Martínez | 62 of 155 | 40% | 33 of 115 | 10 of 16 | 19 of 24 | 62 of 155 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 11 of 51 | 21% | 11 of 48 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 11 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| David Martínez | 22 of 45 | 48% | 7 of 25 | 5 of 8 | 10 of 12 | 22 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rob Font | 15 of 49 | 30% | 9 of 37 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| David Martínez | 10 of 27 | 37% | 6 of 20 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rob Font | 23 of 58 | 39% | 20 of 53 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| David Martínez | 30 of 83 | 36% | 20 of 70 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 10 | 30 of 83 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Rob Font, despite his age (38) and lack of takedown defense. He says Font is a technical striker with clean hands, good chin, and veteran composure. He thinks David Martinez, stepping up on short notice, probably won't look to wrestle unless losing the striking exchanges, and by then it's too late. He says the over 2.5 is probably rock solid. He also mentions a David Martinez inside the distance decision no action prop.
Big Brady picks Font because Martinez is a big step down in competition. He notes Font has fought and lost to elite fighters, but has beaten lower-level opponents. He likes Font's volume, cardio, and experience. He predicts a decision win, though he acknowledges Martinez has power and Font can be hurt.
Connor picks Rob Font, emphasizing Font's reach advantage and high-output one-two, which will trouble Martínez's in-and-out striking style. He notes that Martínez struggled with the jab against Xavier Franklin and Font is a better version of that. Connor acknowledges Font's age (38) but says his chin hasn't gone yet, and Martínez lacks the power or wrestling to exploit it.
Martinez has received a lot of love, moving from +180 to +115, and the host agrees. He believes Martinez is closer to his prime, dangerous in striking, treads distance well, and will counter Font's output. He expects Martinez to stuff takedowns and win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Rob Font, dismissing David Martinez as unproven with wins over low-level opponents. He believes Font's jab and reach will be key, and that Martinez's single-shot explosivity won't trouble Font. He predicts a decision win, possibly 30-27 or 30-26, as Martinez loses composure when peppered with jabs.
Zane picks Rob Font, highlighting Font's consistent output, power, and experience against top competition. He notes that Font's losses have come only against elite fighters with superior wrestling or power, and Martínez lacks both. Zane believes Martínez's step up in competition is too large, and Font's one-two and takedown to seal rounds will be decisive.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 0 | 95 of 171 | 55% | 113 of 191 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Jean Matsumoto | 0 | 77 of 181 | 42% | 113 of 225 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 0 | 0 | 6:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 0 | 21 of 34 | 61% | 27 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Jean Matsumoto | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 32 of 49 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 | |
| 2 | Rob Font | 0 | 34 of 56 | 60% | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jean Matsumoto | 0 | 29 of 61 | 47% | 35 of 69 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 | |
| 3 | Rob Font | 0 | 40 of 81 | 49% | 50 of 92 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:52 |
| Jean Matsumoto | 0 | 41 of 101 | 40% | 46 of 107 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 95 of 171 | 55% | 82 of 157 | 13 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 85 of 157 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Jean Matsumoto | 77 of 181 | 42% | 43 of 135 | 9 of 13 | 25 of 33 | 69 of 169 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 21 of 34 | 61% | 20 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 32 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jean Matsumoto | 7 of 19 | 36% | 1 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 15 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rob Font | 34 of 56 | 60% | 28 of 50 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 34 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jean Matsumoto | 29 of 61 | 47% | 16 of 43 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 14 | 29 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rob Font | 40 of 81 | 49% | 34 of 74 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 32 of 69 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Jean Matsumoto | 41 of 101 | 40% | 26 of 80 | 3 of 6 | 12 of 15 | 37 of 93 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Jean Matsumoto, citing his youth, aggression, power, and multiple ways to win. He notes Rob Font is 37 and aging, and while Font's boxing is clean, he can't defend takedowns. He draws a parallel to Calvin Kattar being out-struck by a younger fighter. He is surprised the line moved toward Font.
Big Brady picks Jean Matsumoto, noting that Rob Font's takedown defense and ground game have looked awful recently, citing the Cory Sandhagen and Kyler Phillips fights. He believes Matsumoto, though not the best wrestler, is a good grappler who can take Font down and keep him there. He expects Matsumoto to win by decision, as Font has good submission defense but is content to stay on his back and lose minutes.
Connor picks Font, agreeing that Matsumoto is uncreative and predictable, while Font is a skilled boxer with good durability. He notes that Matsumoto fights in bursts and leaves gaps, which Font can exploit. Connor also points out that Font has a reach advantage and is a good puncher himself, as seen in the Yadong fight.
The host notes Matsumoto is a short-notice replacement but expects his damaging style and effective striking in the pocket to be too much for Font. He thinks Matsumoto's damage-based approach will win on the scorecards as long as Font doesn't get too far ahead in volume.
The Guru strongly picks Font as an underdog, calling it a no-brainer. He criticizes Matsumoto's undefeated record, noting close fights with Brad Katona and Dan Arreta where he was outgrappled. He highlights Font's experience against top competition, durability (never finished by strikes), and striking menace. He believes Matsumoto lacks KO power and won't submit or outgrapple Font.
Zane picks Font because Matsumoto is a limited fighter who fights in bursts and is predictable, while Font has a clear winning formula of jabbing and boxing. He notes that Font is durable, mentally tough, and has a reach advantage. Zane believes Matsumoto would need to hurt Font badly every round to win, which is unlikely given Font's durability.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 0 | 61 of 137 | 44% | 65 of 144 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Kyler Phillips | 0 | 38 of 125 | 30% | 50 of 143 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 0 | 0 | 4:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 7 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Kyler Phillips | 0 | 10 of 26 | 38% | 21 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:34 | |
| 2 | Rob Font | 0 | 31 of 58 | 53% | 34 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Kyler Phillips | 0 | 14 of 48 | 29% | 15 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:24 | |
| 3 | Rob Font | 0 | 23 of 60 | 38% | 24 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Kyler Phillips | 0 | 14 of 51 | 27% | 14 of 52 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 61 of 137 | 44% | 50 of 122 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 56 of 131 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Kyler Phillips | 38 of 125 | 30% | 19 of 98 | 9 of 14 | 10 of 13 | 32 of 112 | 1 of 6 | 5 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 7 of 19 | 36% | 6 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Kyler Phillips | 10 of 26 | 38% | 8 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 | |
| 2 | Rob Font | 31 of 58 | 53% | 23 of 48 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 55 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Kyler Phillips | 14 of 48 | 29% | 6 of 38 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 13 of 44 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rob Font | 23 of 60 | 38% | 21 of 57 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 58 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Kyler Phillips | 14 of 51 | 27% | 5 of 37 | 2 of 6 | 7 of 8 | 14 of 49 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Phillips (-425), Font (+330)
Round 1
Sitting in the co-main event slot is a bantamweight contest that will reestablish or coin a new contender in the talent-rich division. Having lost four of his last five, Font’s (20-8, 10-7 UFC) back is about as against the wall as it gets. As much as Font has largely struggled, Phillips (12-2, 6-1 UFC) has flourished, winner of his last three—albeit with one win in 2022, one in 2023 and the latest in March. This potential passing of the torch encounter will be officiated by referee Keith Peterson, and the 135ers touch ‘em up without a shred of nonsense between them. Font jabs his way directly into action, landing a few punches and setting up more. As Font presses forward, Phillips shoots in and easily hits a takedown, landing in side control and laughing off a guillotine choke defense from the New Englander. Phillips steps over from one side to the other, shifting to half guard as he sets up an arm-triangle choke. When Phillips abandons the choke, he secures side control almost effortlessly. Font turns to the other direction, but he stops doing so when realizing this will give his back up. Phillips controls from on top without unleashing much offense, posturing to the other side to drop down a single elbow. Any time Font tries to scramble, Phillips easily sees it coming and lays into Font with powerful elbows. Font turns over after fighting off a submission setup to explode back to his feet, and Phillips greets him with a spinning wheel kick. Font keeps his guard up and plods forward, scoring an uppercut and swinging a second before shooting in for a double. Font takes Phillips’ back standing, and Phillips breaks out of the position without much concern. Phillips scores a one-two, Font throws back, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Round 2
Font stalks out of his corner to engage in the second round, no-selling a leg kick so he can chamber and loose a few hard right hands. Font busts Phillips in the chops with a particularly strong right, and “The Matrix” responds with a shot that plants Font on his back. Font fights much more aggressively to get to his feet, walking up the wall and pressuring Phillips as much as he can. Font trails after Phillips, keeping his guard high and using tight boxing combinations to keep Phillips honest. Font winds up with a right hand that misses the mark, and he lets Phillips throw first so he can counter and tie him up. Font decides to disengage, taking a body kick to the side and chasing after Phillips to make Phillips turn tail and run. Phillips resets and kicks Font in the ribs, and he leans back after a leg kick to get popped with an overhand right. Font digs a body shot, and Phillips escapes and is eating powerful blows while his hands are low and his chin is high in the air. Font stabs his foe in the sternum with his foot, and he ignores a lazy high kick aimed his direction so he can blast Phillips in the face with a right hand. Fond chomps down on his mouthpiece and nails Phillips again, and swelling quickly develops around the Arizonan’s left eye. Phillips keeps on his bike, and Font is a Terminator walking through anything aimed at him so he can tag Phillips with power. A Phillips spin strike fails, as Font keeps his hands high and works the body to open up the head. Phillips tries to tie him up, and he pushes off to fire off a one-two and a spinning back fist. Phillips clinches, and Font wrenches himself away so he can keep the suffocating pace. Phillips gets backed off courtesy of several jabs, and Font utilizes the clinch to wear further on Phillips. Right before the bell, Phillips hits a foot sweep and puts Font on his seat.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Font
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Font
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Font
Round 3
Phillips starts off the round backing away from his opponent, and he lands a leg kick and shoots for a successful takedown. Font hits the ground and starts hand-fighting, eventually settling for muscling back to his feet. Phillips hacks at him with a tomahawking elbow when upright, and Font laughs it off and slugs him in the face with a right hand. Font loads up two more times on heavy rights, and both whoosh past “The Matrix.” Font surges into action behind his punches, landing and turning Phillips around. Phillips steels himself and swing back for vengeance, cracking Font with a right hand and rushing to the side to get a modicum of space. Font will not let him breathe for long, bearing down on him and crushing him against the cage wall. Phillips escapes and ducks an overhand right, kicking the side as he further escapes. Font sticks out a jab, and he sets up an uppercut when Phillips splits the distance to take him down. Font keeps pursuing Phillips fearlessly, getting his calf kicked hard but keeping his balance to stride ever forward. Font’s punches are telegraphed, as are Phillips’ takedowns. The latter is what comes next, but Font stops it in its tracks. Phillips breaks away before eating a strike, and he backpedals and has his left hand up to block Font’s wide right hooks. Phillips clips Font with his own short flurry, and Font tags him with one overhand right to slow him again. Font’s momentum leads to another clinch, and Phillips frames off with his knee. Font loads up time and again on his booming right, and Phillips gives him a little extra something to think about with a wheel kick. Font catches Phillips with a right hand on the way out, and Phillips’ legs are loose but he is still with it. Font keeps after him, watching for a spin kick that comes and advancing to sling final leather. Font stuffs one final takedown, and time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Font (29-28 Font)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Font (29-28 Font)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Font (29-28 Font)
The Official Result
Rob Font def. Kyler Phillips via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Kyler Phillips, citing the decline of the New England Cartel's takedown defense. He notes Rob Font's vulnerability to wrestling and believes Phillips' diverse striking and wrestling will make Font look old and slow. He expects Phillips to mix in takedowns and win comfortably. He criticizes the New England Cartel's inability to evolve.
Big Brady picks Kyler Phillips by any method. He notes Font's durability is diminishing, he gets wobbled often, and has poor takedown defense. Phillips can win on the feet or by takedown. He expects Phillips to get it done, possibly by knockout, submission, or decision, given Font's toughness.
Connor also picks Phillips but with hesitation, noting that Phillips' early speed and variety are key, but he fades late. He thinks Font could come on strong in the third round if Phillips hasn't put him away. Connor is not fully convinced about Phillips yet, but sees the takedowns and speed as enough to win over three rounds.
This fight was not discussed in the transcript.
Font has been on a bad slump. His volume style can be effective, but Phillips will land more significant strikes and mix in takedowns. Phillips will grind out a win on the scorecards.
The Guru picks Phillips over Font, citing Font's susceptibility to being grappled and his age (37). He notes Phillips has explosive takedowns and offensive grappling, as shown against Pedro Munhoz, and trains with Sean O'Malley. He expects Phillips to mix things up and win a decision, though he acknowledges Font is a good boxer.
Zane picks Phillips, citing his speed and variety early in the fight to stump Font for two rounds. He acknowledges that Phillips tends to fade in the third round, but believes Font's linear style and lack of adaptability will allow Phillips to build an insurmountable lead. He notes that Phillips may also use takedowns, though that could gas him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 46 of 94 | 48% | 48 of 96 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 45 of 74 | 60% | 53 of 84 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 4:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 22 of 37 | 59% | 22 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 | |
| 2 | Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 15 of 22 | 68% | 15 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:09 | |
| 3 | Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 9 of 24 | 37% | 9 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 28 of 42 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 46 of 94 | 48% | 39 of 85 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 44 of 92 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 45 of 74 | 60% | 35 of 64 | 7 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 33 of 60 | 6 of 7 | 6 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deiveson Figueiredo | 22 of 37 | 59% | 20 of 34 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 10 of 20 | 50% | 7 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Deiveson Figueiredo | 15 of 33 | 45% | 12 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 15 of 22 | 68% | 12 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Deiveson Figueiredo | 9 of 24 | 37% | 7 of 22 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 20 of 32 | 62% | 16 of 28 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 22 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 7 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Font (-135), Figueiredo (+114)
Round 1
Business picks up with a bantamweight showcase pitting Font (20-7, 10-6 UFC) against Figueiredo (21-3-1, 10-3-1 UFC)—a two-time flyweight champion making the jump to 135 pounds. Figueiredo has not fought anyone other than archrival Brandon Moreno since November 2020.
For more on the Brazilian’s move to the bantamweight division, read “New Digs for Deiveson Figueiredo” from the aforementioned Stein
. Rexroad serves as the referee. Font moves to the center of the cage and stalks the Brazilian from range. He backs up Figueiredo with a clean one-two, shrugs off an attempted clinch and flicks out a few jabs. Figueiredo completes a takedown but cannot keep the New England Cartel rep down. Back on the feet, Font gets to work with his jab. Figueiredo lands an overhand right, ducks into takedown and again allows his opponent to get back to his feet. Font fires a long one-two and moves behind Figueiredo. He lifts the Brazilian off his feet but cannot finish the takedown. Round is still up in the air with a minute to go. Font counters with a right uppercut, and they trade jabs. Figueiredo staggers him with an overhand right but elects not to accelerate. He lures Font into a tie-up along the fence, stalls and then breaks into open space. Figueiredo looking more and more comfortable on the feet. They trad jabs at the close of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Round 2
Font gets busy with his jab but allows the Brazilian to close the distance and clinch along the fence. The action stalls briefly. Figueiredo lands a knee south of the equator, resulting in a brief pause. Font readjusts the jewels, and they resume their battle. Figueiredo connects with an uppercut and stays light on his feet. Font shuts off a takedown attempt, then walks into a clean right hand from the Brazilian. He pops Figueiredo with a leg kick and presses forward behind punches. Figueiredo ducks a punch and secures a takedown with two minutes left in the round. Font scrambles free, and they get back to business in the center of the cage. Figueiredo’s output has dwindled here. Font pounds home a jab, then follows with a leg kick. He circled out of a clinch from the Brazilian, marches forward and pumps out his jab. Figueiredo lands a clean two-punch volley and follows with a front kick up the middle.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Round 3
Figueiredo moves forward behind a front kick, initiates a tie-up and works for a takedown. Font’s defense holds up. Figueiredo steps into a right hand, then another and engages the Massachusetts native in the clinch. Nothing materializes. Font connects with a right hook to the body. Both men landing in single shots. Figueiredo dazes his counterpart with a wicked left hook, pushes him backward, fires a knee to the body and delivers another left hook upstairs. Font answers with a multi-punch volley, mixes in a jab and whiffs on an elbow over the top. They trade jabs midway through Round 3. Figueiredo ducks into a single-leg and completes a key takedown. He climbs to full mount, drops elbows and hammerfists, maintains his position and gets warned for grabbing the fence. Font reclaims half guard but struggles to control the Brazilian’s posture. With 30 seconds to go, this is slipping away from Font. Figueiredo slides to side control, applies heavy pressure and bleeds the remaining time off the clock.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo (30-27 Figueiredo)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo (30-27 Figueiredo)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo (30-27 Figueiredo)
The Official Result
Deiveson Figueiredo def. Rob Font—Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Big Brady picks Figueiredo as a dog, citing paths to victory via wrestling or landing big shots. He notes Font's poor takedown defense and get-up game, and thinks Figueiredo can mix in takedowns. He also thinks Figueiredo's power could be a factor, as Font gets rocked often. He predicts a decision win for Figueiredo.
Cody takes Figueiredo as an underdog. He cites Figueiredo's power, multiple paths to victory (knockdowns, takedowns), and Font's poor takedown defense as shown against Cory Sandhagen. He thinks Figueiredo can land bigger shots and mix in wrestling. He also notes Figueiredo moving up to 135 may help his cardio and power translation.
Lucrative James leans towards Rob Font, citing his size, reach, and experience against top bantamweights. He acknowledges Figueiredo's power and guillotine threat, and Font's questionable chin. However, he believes Font should be favored and may look to attack a prop rather than the moneyline due to volatility.
Figueiredo moves up to bantamweight and should carry power and strength. Font has been outgrappled and outdamaged in recent fights, with poor takedown defense and a tendency to lose rounds due to damage. Figueiredo's power and ability to land big shots could lead to a knockout, similar to Font's losses to Aldo and Vera. Font may win minutes, but Figueiredo will win moments and likely finish.
Paul sides slightly with Font based on volume. He thinks Font should box Figueiredo up and put up crazy volume over three rounds. He notes Figueiredo's power and Font's chinny history, but believes Font's volume will be enough. He says the line is accurate and he's not too confident.
The MMA Guru picks Rob Font by first-round KO, believing Figueiredo's power won't translate up a division and that Font's reach and jab will be decisive. He notes Figueiredo's defensive flaws and recent injuries. He predicts Font will catch Figueiredo early and put him away.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 34 of 84 | 40% | 132 of 211 | 7 of 7 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 19:38 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 9 of 49 | 18% | 25 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 8 of 26 | 30% | 27 of 51 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:43 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 5 of 22 | 22% | 6 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 | |
| 2 | Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 38 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 0 of 7 | 0% | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 10 of 24 | 41% | 27 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:43 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 4 of 10 | 40% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 6 of 11 | 54% | 29 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 11 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:50 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:45 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cory Sandhagen | 34 of 84 | 40% | 30 of 79 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 24 of 36 |
| Rob Font | 9 of 49 | 18% | 5 of 43 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 44 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cory Sandhagen | 8 of 26 | 30% | 6 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 6 |
| Rob Font | 5 of 22 | 22% | 2 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 17 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Cory Sandhagen | 7 of 15 | 46% | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 8 |
| Rob Font | 0 of 7 | 0% | 0 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Cory Sandhagen | 10 of 24 | 41% | 9 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 10 |
| Rob Font | 4 of 10 | 40% | 3 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Cory Sandhagen | 6 of 11 | 54% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 |
| Rob Font | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Cory Sandhagen | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Rob Font | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Cory Sandhagen, citing his active striking, fluid combinations, and solid BJJ. He notes that Rob Font is a gritty boxer with a solid chin but lacks power and is on the back nine of his career. Angelo believes Sandhagen will make it a true MMA fight by mixing in wrestling, and that the catchweight benefits Sandhagen as the larger fighter. He also points out that Font is stepping up on short notice and that Sandhagen dominated Chito Vera, who is more dangerous than Font.
Big Brady is very confident in Sandhagen, citing Rob Font's age (36), short notice, and accumulated damage from recent fights like the Marlon Vera beating where Font was dropped multiple times. He believes Sandhagen's diverse striking and submission threat will overwhelm Font, and that Font's durability has declined. He predicts Sandhagen will either dominate to a 50-43 decision or become the first to knock Font out, possibly with a head kick or knee.
Cody picks Sandhagen due to his blend of striking and takedowns, plus a full camp preparing for Umar Nurmagomedov. He notes Font's short notice and history of being dropped (five times in two fights) as vulnerabilities. Cody believes Sandhagen can mix in takedowns and strike effectively, though he acknowledges Font's elite striking and volume. He also mentions betting Sandhagen by knockout at +225.
Daniel Levi is confident in Cory Sandhagen, citing his evolution into a well-rounded fighter with improved wrestling and durability. He notes Sandhagen's killer resume and recent performances against Song Yadong and Chito Vera as evidence of his growth. Levi believes Sandhagen's fight IQ and length will be key, and that he will avoid trading in the pocket with Font's dangerous jab. He sees Sandhagen as a future title contender and expects him to shine in the main event.
James is very confident Sandhagen dominates. He thinks Sandhagen can do whatever he wants—strike, takedown, submit, or knock out Font. He believes Font's chin is done and predicts a knockout in the second or third round. He notes Sandhagen's dynamism and one-shot power.
Sandhagen has an unorthodox style that blends wrestling and striking, and he's made for five rounds. Font has a great comeback win over Yanez, but Sandhagen's style will be too unorthodox for Font to get going. Sandhagen eats damage well and counters effectively. The fight likely goes the distance, so over 4.5 rounds is my favorite prop, but Sandhagen gets his hand raised. The line is too wide to bet heavily, and there is value on Font at these odds.
Paul agrees with Cody, citing Sandhagen's full camp and wrestling advantage. He notes Font's short notice and chin issues, but expects a competitive fight if it goes the distance. Paul leans towards Sandhagen by knockout, though he respects both fighters.
The host picks Cory Sandhagen confidently, calling him a cerebral, diverse striker in his prime. He believes Sandhagen will pick Font apart with superior technique and defense. He notes Font is 36 and while dangerous, Sandhagen is a better mixed martial artist. He predicts a unanimous decision but does not rule out a head kick knockout. He recommends Sandhagen as a parlay piece and expects the line to rise.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 1 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 33 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 1 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 33 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 33 of 75 | 44% | 30 of 69 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
| Adrian Yañez | 25 of 54 | 46% | 21 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 51 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 33 of 75 | 44% | 30 of 69 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
| Adrian Yañez | 25 of 54 | 46% | 21 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 51 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez but is not highly confident, noting that Rob Font is a clean technical striker who is very live. He thinks Yañez is a younger version of Font, faster and with more power, but Font has a good chin and could win. He warns that this could be a changing of the guard, but Font could also remind everyone he's still elite.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez despite wanting to pick Rob Font, due to Font's recent durability issues. He notes Font has taken massive damage in his last two fights and has been dropped repeatedly. He believes Yañez has power and volume, and can win by decision or knockout. He predicts a decision win for Yañez.
Cody agrees with Paul on Font. He points out that Yañez struggled early against Randy Costa, getting dominated in round one before Costa gassed. Cody believes Font's constant jab and long-range strikes will disrupt Yañez's timing and prevent him from landing his power shots. He sees Font's volume as overwhelming and thinks Yañez may struggle to find his rhythm. Cody also notes Font by decision at +200 is worth a look.
Connor picks Yañez because Font's defensive flaws are well-documented: he has poor footwork after committing to his right hand and relies on a static high guard. Yañez is a fantastic counter puncher who will find openings as Font falls into predictable rhythms. However, Connor notes that Yañez can be a slow starter and may lose the first round if Font's jab takes over. He also mentions that Yañez's high-output style can lead to fatigue, as seen against Davey Grant. Despite these concerns, Connor believes Yañez's sharp countering will eventually catch Font.
Jacob is extremely high on Adrian Yañez, calling him his guy and predicting he will be champion by 2025. He praises Yañez's beautiful boxing, combinations, and power. He believes Yañez will find the timing and land the more impactful shots, possibly finishing inside the distance. He acknowledges that Yañez can be a slow starter but trusts his dog mentality.
Font has high output, a great jab, and good footwork, but his durability is questionable after losses to Aldo and Vera. Yañez is a crisp boxer with power, but this is his toughest test. Font's volume and jab could frustrate Yañez, and Font's cardio should hold up. However, if Font's chin is shot, Yañez could land a big shot. I lean Font by decision but with hesitation.
Paul likes Rob Font as a plus-money underdog. He questions Yañez's level of competition, noting his wins are over lower-tier fighters and his only step-up against Davey Grant was a close split decision. Paul highlights Font's elite striking volume, footwork, and jab, and notes that Font has gone five rounds with top bantamweights. He acknowledges Font's tendency to get knocked down but believes his volume and experience will overwhelm Yañez.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by decision. He expects Font to have success early with his jab and takedowns, but Yañez will weather the storm and start finding his range. He predicts Yañez will hurt Font badly in rounds two and three, with moments of near-finishes, but Font will survive to the final bell. He compares it to a Marlon Vera-esque performance.
Zane picks Yañez because Font's defensive issues are severe: he gets hit cleanly in every fight and has been knocked down repeatedly. Yañez is a sharp counter puncher who will exploit Font's tendency to leave himself open after throwing the right hand. Zane acknowledges that Yañez may start slow and lose the first round, but he expects Yañez to figure out Font's rhythm and land big shots. He also notes that Font's chin is a major concern, as even if Yañez fades, he only needs one clean shot to change the fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 271 of 516 | 52% | 273 of 520 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Rob Font | 3 | 159 of 283 | 56% | 167 of 291 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marlon Vera | 0 | 57 of 100 | 57% | 57 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 26 of 46 | 56% | 26 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Marlon Vera | 0 | 51 of 97 | 52% | 51 of 97 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rob Font | 1 | 27 of 52 | 51% | 30 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 | |
| 3 | Marlon Vera | 0 | 71 of 123 | 57% | 71 of 123 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Rob Font | 1 | 37 of 71 | 52% | 39 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:33 | |
| 4 | Marlon Vera | 0 | 42 of 89 | 47% | 44 of 93 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rob Font | 1 | 36 of 56 | 64% | 39 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:09 | |
| 5 | Marlon Vera | 0 | 50 of 107 | 46% | 50 of 107 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rob Font | 0 | 33 of 58 | 56% | 33 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlon Vera | 271 of 516 | 52% | 199 of 436 | 48 of 56 | 24 of 24 | 256 of 496 | 15 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 159 of 283 | 56% | 95 of 205 | 22 of 31 | 42 of 47 | 133 of 246 | 4 of 4 | 22 of 33 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marlon Vera | 57 of 100 | 57% | 38 of 81 | 14 of 14 | 5 of 5 | 52 of 92 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 26 of 46 | 56% | 5 of 21 | 7 of 10 | 14 of 15 | 26 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marlon Vera | 51 of 97 | 52% | 36 of 81 | 9 of 10 | 6 of 6 | 48 of 93 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 27 of 52 | 51% | 17 of 40 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 7 | 22 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 9 | |
| 3 | Marlon Vera | 71 of 123 | 57% | 53 of 102 | 12 of 15 | 6 of 6 | 70 of 121 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 37 of 71 | 52% | 29 of 59 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 5 | 25 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 14 | |
| 4 | Marlon Vera | 42 of 89 | 47% | 33 of 78 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 39 of 86 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 36 of 56 | 64% | 20 of 36 | 3 of 5 | 13 of 15 | 27 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 10 | |
| 5 | Marlon Vera | 50 of 107 | 46% | 39 of 94 | 8 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 47 of 104 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Rob Font | 33 of 58 | 56% | 24 of 49 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 33 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
We have now reached the main event, which takes place in a catchweight instead of a standard weight category as Font (19-5, 9-4 UFC) missed weight by 2.5 pounds ahead of his marque pairing against “Chito” Vera (18-7-1, 12-6 UFC). These two are the only ranked competitors that set foot in the cage this evening, but a win for Font would arguably mean less as he could not reach the bantamweight limit. Apologetic for this error, Font offers a glove touch as the two stand before gold-standard referee Jason Herzog, and Vera accepts it with a smile as he is amped up for his first UFC main event. Vera is crouched over in his corner when the fight begins, and Font does a tour of the cage while waiting for him to stand up. Vera does do so, and he throws a front kick to start things off. Font starts up with his staple jabs, and Vera replies with a calf kick. Font subsequently counters it with an overhand right, and they back off to kick one another in the legs. Font strings together a pair of one-twos, and Vera responds with a thudding body kick to the guard. Font continues to work the jab, and he chains a solid boxing combination together that knock Vera back. A big uppercut from Font reddens the nose, and he knees Vera in the chin when Vera bends over. Vera gets a little space and lets loose with low kicks, and Font continues peppering him with jabs. Font steps in with an elbow, and Vera responds with a powerful leg kick. Vera closes in and pins several uppercuts on the chin before Vera pushes off and reaches out with a front kick that is just shy of the face. Font rips the body, and when Vera advances, he goes after another crisp uppercut. Font tattoos Vera’s heavily tattooed head and body with jabs, and Vera slips a couple of punches and counters with a front kick. Font nails his man with an uppercut again, and Vera staggers back and gathers himself to absorb a few punches high and low. Font put three punches together as Vera guards up and circles on the outside, and he commits to his calf kick when Font gives him a moment to breathe. Font absorbs another leg kick, and he loads up on punches when Vera tries to kick his lead calf once more. Font walks into a punch, and he blocks a loud body kick that impacts off his arms. Font winds up with an uppercut after a jab, intercepting Vera coming in. The uppercut continues to find its home as Font targets it repeatedly, and Vera is not able to read it and tries to block them, but they still get through. Vera kicks the midsection, and when he comes in, Font meets him with a knee and his own low kick, The first round ends, and the bantamweights tensely stare down one another after the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Font
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Font
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Font
Round 2
The fighters meet in the middle to start off the second round, and they bounce closer together only to back off before engaging. Font jabs, follows it with a right and connects with a clean left to back Vera up. Font puts the ball of his foot on Vera’s chest, and he steps in with a hacking elbow that glances off Vera’s head. Vera fires off a front kick, and Font catches it and pushes Vera back. Vera, with his leg in the air, jumps with his other to kick Font a few times. Font delivers a big elbow that make Vera mockingly show that he is hurt, and he subsequently spins with a back kick to the body. Font reels from the kick and has to rebound off the fence, and Vera kicks the body again. Vera is able to counter a few punches, and Font begins to chain jabs into punches effectively as Vera’s face starts to turn red. “Chito” rips the body to make Font’s guard drop, and Font kicks his leg as a result. Vera loads up on a heavier one of his own, and Vera blocks an oncoming salvo of punches. Font has a few punches blocked, and Vera sticks his tongue out at him. As he does, a piston-like jab connects and knocks a surprised Vera back. Vera walks into another jab as Vera walks him down, but Vera does get off a leg kick. Font throws five punches in a row, and a huge body kick from Vera bends Font over. Font recovers and leans on his boxing to back Vera up, but “Chito” rallies and kicks him in the gut with a front kick. Vera works the leg with a kick, and Font strides through it to land a few punches and ends a combination with a solid left hand. Font steps through a series of punches with a knee up the middle, and Vera ricochets off the fence and marches his man down. Font kicks high, and the kick glances off the shoulder. Font carries on jabbing, and he works a right hand to the body in the midst of a punching chain. Vera walks him down and cracks him with a left hand, and Font is rocked badly and drops to his knees. Font instinctively goes after a single, and Vera bowls him over and unloads several brutal elbows. Font hangs on to the bell, and he springs right back up and goes to his corner.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Round 3
“Chito” is so fired up to start off the round, he is physically pulled back a few times by Herzog. Despite this aggressive intention, Font is the one who strikes first, jabbing his way in before shooting for a takedown. Vera scrambles and gets to his knees when dragged down, and he turns his opponent around to the fence and starts working the sides with punches and knees. Font pushes off with an elbow to break, and Vera puts everything into a head kick. Even with the kick blocked, it still has enough impact to shake Font. Font is quick to gather his thoughts and start working his uppercut, and Vera takes a front kick that goes low on the cup. Vera shrugs at Herzog when Herzog asks if he is alright, and the fight continues as they trade powerful blows. A thumping leg kick from the Ecuadorian gives Font some pause, and Font responds with a body kick. Vera steps through with a left hand, and he just misses a straight left hand across the bow. Font plants several punches on the guard, doing enough to take Vera’s focus away so he can drill a kick to the gut. Vera absorbs a leg kick, and Vera allows this so he can counter with a left hand that knocks Font back a few steps. The Bostonian marches forward, jabbing effectively and just getting up a block when a high kick aims at it. Vera unloads with a right hand, and Font greets him with several punches in a line of blows. Vera takes a clean elbow on the side of the head and barely flinches, and he kicks Font in the side. Font responds with a few punches to the body, leading Vera to tie him up. “Chito” separates and starts working kicks to the leg and side, and he slips a punch to throw one back. Font absorbs four flush punches without batting an eye, and he counters Font with a left to the midsection and a kick to the same spot. Font puts several punches together as Vera bounces off, and he splits the guard with a left. Font connects with a big left to the body, and Vera lifts up a knee that knocks Font off of his feet. Font climbs back up and wobbles back, only for Vera to chase him down and elbow him several more times. Herzog asks Font to keep fighting and moving, and Vera unleashes a fury of elbows right to the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Round 4
Font has gathered his thoughts between rounds, and even with swelling and damage on his face from the concussive blows, he is ready to continue and starts off with jabs. Vera kicks the body, and he gets knocked back with a series of punches. Vera fights through the oncoming blows to give back his own, and he jumps in the air with a knee that is barely blocked in time. They trade one after the other, with Font preferring to touch while Vera is loading up on strikes. Font pins three uppercuts right on the chin, and he follows it with a one-two as chants for “’Chito’” rain down in the building. Font chases him down and uploads, and Vera ties him up and gets kneed. Vera elbows on the break to cut Font, but the Boston native does not even register this as he stalks Vera down. Font considers a takedown before bailing on it to let his boxing speak for himself. Vera rolls with the strikes that come at him, dancing back and sliding out of the way. Vera gets in a left, and Font is a bloody mess but no less active. Font opens up with jabs and one-twos, and Vera is circling away as his volume has diminished. Vera winds up with a side kick that connects as flush as it could, knocking Font back and down to the mat. Vera goes after him to try to finish him, and he gets kicked off as Font lays on his back aiming upkicks. Vera kicks the leg from above, while Font is still getting his wits about him. Vera is letting his foe of the hook, and eventually Herzog intervenes to stand Font up. Font walks through a spinning heel kick that soars at him to throw hands, and Vera spams another that similarly is inaccurate. Font bounces around, and he absorbs a pushing kick to his knee. Vera winds up on a body kick, and the fourth round ends. Vera walks back to his corner, laughing all the way.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Round 5
Battered and bruised, swollen and sore, Font is hanging in there and cleared to continue. Vera is excited to reach the fifth round in this contest, and he walks straight into a left to the body when they begin to fight. Font has his jab reach out, and he misses an overhand right as Vera slides out of harm’s way. Font comes after him and elbows him on top of the head, and Vera looks at him quizzically and slaps Font in the face with his open hand like a Diaz brother. Font is riled up, and he lands six heavy punches that knock Vera back up to the wall. Vera scores a single leg kick, and he backs away as Font walks him down. Font keeps his hands busy, and he takes a solid jab on the face. Vera tries to back him off with a side kick, and Font is not slowing as he again backs Vera to the wire with his punches. They trade low kicks, and start to put power into their punches. Vera loads up as Font stalks after him, and he has a body kick that stuns Font for a second. Like a Terminator, Font keeps going, and a front kick blasts him in the face. Font strings several punches together despite the serious level of damage on his face, and he makes Vera take a step back when he lands a front kick. Vera counters Font coming in with a left, and he smacks Font with a left as Font leads into a combination. “Chito” snaps out a jab that makes Font shake his hands out, and he kicks the lead leg a pair of times. Font gets hurt from a punch, causing him to turn around for a second, and Vera begins to showboat and point. Font steels himself and powers ahead, chasing Vera around and absorbing punches while attacking. Font nails Vera with an uppercut, leading Vera into a dance as Vera signals that he is fine. Font does not fall for anything, and instead splits the guard with a right hand. Font bites down on his mouthpiece and throws hands to the head and body, and Vera aims another standing hook kick slash side kick that cracks into Font’s dome. Font is rattled once more from the powerful strike, and he wobbles back to the wall to try to recover for the waning seconds. Instead of going for a finish, Vera walks away to celebrate, pointing in the air and even turning his back on Font at one point. Font cannot reach him as time elapses, and this thriller comes to an end. Both bantamweights raise their stock after 25 minutes of bloody, chaotic battle. An emotional Vera thanks his team and invites his family into the cage after the fight, and declares that he will be a world champion and will bring the belt back to his home country of Ecuador. With that, the uneven ESPN card wraps up, with the night ending in style after that five-rounder in the books. Next week, the UFC will travel to Arizona, with a fantastic pay-per-view offering bringing a pair of highly anticipated title fights and some other great scraps like Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson. We will be there for it, and we hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Font (48-47 Vera)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Font (48-47 Vera)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera (49-46 Vera)
The Official Result
Marlon Vera def. Rob Font via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
Angelo picks Rob Font, citing his cleaner boxing and composed style. He believes Font's accuracy and volume will mirror his success against Jose Aldo, but this time Font will get the win. He notes Vera's ability to make fights ugly and his iron chin, but thinks Font is too well-rounded to get caught in a brawl. He loves the -150 odds and plans a moneyline bet on Font.
Big Brady picks Marlon Vera as a dog, citing Vera's cardio advantage in a five-round fight and his ability to grow into the fight. He notes that Vera lands bigger shots and has a ground game advantage, while Font may win the first round but will fade. Brady predicts a late finish, possibly by submission, as the damage accumulates.
Cody picks Marlon Vera as a live underdog, citing Vera's slow-starting but strong-finishing style. He believes Vera can lose the first couple rounds but come on strong late, similar to his fight against Frankie Edgar. Cody notes Vera's grappling advantage and ability to take Font down, as Font gave up takedowns to Cody Garbrandt. He suggests live betting Vera after the first round for better odds.
Daniel Levi picks Marlon Vera, citing his durability and ability to take over in later rounds. He notes that Vera's fights often start in round three, where he looks world-class, and that his cardio from running 13 miles a day will be a factor in a five-round fight. Levi acknowledges Rob Font's superior boxing but believes Vera can create chaos and make it a dirty fight, similar to the Pedro Munoz blueprint. He is concerned about Vera eating shots early but trusts his recovery. He took two units at +130.
The host picks Rob Font, citing his superior output and jab. He believes Font's volume and technical striking will outwork Vera over five rounds, especially since Vera is a slow starter. He notes Font's reach advantage and ability to stay on the outside, and doubts Vera has one-punch knockout power to change the fight. He expects a decision win for Font.
Paul leans towards Rob Font based on volume and activity, noting Font's jab and boxing should outwork Vera over five rounds. He acknowledges Vera's power in kicks and potential grappling edge but doesn't trust Vera's wrestling to secure takedowns. Paul is concerned about Font's history of getting knocked down, as seen against Jose Aldo, which could cost him rounds. He hasn't bet the fight yet but sides with the numbers.
The Guru picks Marlon Vera as an underdog, citing Vera's size and physicality as key advantages. He believes Rob Font struggles against pressure and big opponents who can muscle him around. The Guru predicts Font will win the first two rounds, but Vera will take over in the later rounds, eventually securing a submission via d'arce choke in round four or five. He notes Vera's youth (29) and ability to absorb damage, while questioning Font's power after making Cody Garbrandt's chin look okay.
Adrian Yañez - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Simón | 0 | 44 of 139 | 31% | 52 of 149 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Adrian Yañez | 1 | 71 of 169 | 42% | 73 of 171 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ricky Simón | 0 | 12 of 55 | 21% | 12 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 16 of 46 | 34% | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ricky Simón | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 23 of 45 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Ricky Simón | 0 | 17 of 49 | 34% | 17 of 49 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrian Yañez | 1 | 40 of 94 | 42% | 41 of 95 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Simón | 44 of 139 | 31% | 33 of 121 | 7 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 38 of 132 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 |
| Adrian Yañez | 71 of 169 | 42% | 63 of 159 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 67 of 156 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 13 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ricky Simón | 12 of 55 | 21% | 9 of 48 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 16 of 46 | 34% | 15 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ricky Simón | 15 of 35 | 42% | 13 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 |
| Adrian Yañez | 15 of 29 | 51% | 13 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ricky Simón | 17 of 49 | 34% | 11 of 42 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 40 of 94 | 42% | 35 of 88 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 36 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 13 |
Angelo picks Ricky Simon because he believes Simon's relentless pressure and wrestling will negate Yanez's technical striking. He notes that Simon's takedown defense was exposed against Honey Balcelos, but Balcelos is a high-level wrestler, while Yanez has no offensive takedowns. Angelo also mentions the hometown advantage and the possibility of a close decision, but expects Simon's wrestling to be effective enough to secure the win.
Big Brady picks Ricky Simón to win by decision, but he is hesitant. He notes that Simón has been on a three-fight losing streak and his cardio and wrestling have declined. However, he believes Simón's wrestling upside is key, as Adrian Yañez has not faced a wrestler in the UFC. Simón is the hometown fighter, and Brady thinks he can mix in takedowns, cage push, and win minutes in the clinch to secure a decision.
Cody picks Yanez, believing his striking and takedown defense will be enough to win rounds. He's concerned about Simon's hometown advantage but thinks Yanez lands the more significant shots.
Connor picks Yañez, thinking that Simón doesn't want to win just by holding someone down and will engage in the pocket, where Yañez can catch him. He notes that Simón is square and takes his eyes off the target, and Yañez has power.
Daniel believes Yanez's boxing and takedown defense will be too much for Simon, who he thinks is past his best. He cites sources saying Yanez is sharp again and likes the underdog value.
The host picks Simón despite his poor fight IQ and tendency to strike instead of wrestle. He argues that Simón's wrestling is his path to victory, and Yanez's takedown defense is inflated because he has only faced strikers. Footage from Yanez's fight against Daniel Marcos shows he can be taken down and held down easily. However, the host warns that Simón may not commit to grappling, making this a risky bet.
The host sees Yañez as the better striker with good takedown defense and getups, allowing him to keep the fight standing. He believes Yañez's striking edge and reach advantage will allow him to piece up Simón, and he even suggests Yañez might score a knockout. He notes Simón's reliance on power and wrestling, but thinks Yañez can avoid the big shots and find a finish.
Paul leans Simon, citing his wrestling and hometown crowd. He thinks Simon's control time could sway judges, especially with the Seattle crowd.
The MMA Guru picks Ricky Simón, noting his improved demeanor and grappling ability. He believes Simón is well-rounded enough to grapple his way to a decision victory. He criticizes Adrian Yañez's recent performances, pointing out losses to Rob Font and Daniel Marcos, and suggests Yañez struggles against capable opponents. He expects Simón to mix in grappling and land good shots on the feet.
Zane picks Simón for the wrestling, noting that Simón has shown more interest in keeping people down recently. He is hesitant because Yañez has good defensive wrestling and is a higher output fighter, but he thinks Simón's wrestling will be the difference in a close fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 0 | 79 of 183 | 43% | 85 of 189 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:15 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 86 of 147 | 58% | 95 of 156 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 24 of 55 | 43% | 29 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 29 of 46 | 63% | 30 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:46 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 41 of 98 | 41% | 41 of 98 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 39 of 70 | 55% | 39 of 70 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 15 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 26 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Marcos | 79 of 183 | 43% | 57 of 156 | 8 of 10 | 14 of 17 | 79 of 182 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 86 of 147 | 58% | 60 of 111 | 9 of 16 | 17 of 20 | 81 of 142 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Marcos | 24 of 55 | 43% | 15 of 46 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 29 of 46 | 63% | 14 of 30 | 4 of 5 | 11 of 11 | 27 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Daniel Marcos | 41 of 98 | 41% | 29 of 82 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 10 | 41 of 97 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 39 of 70 | 55% | 29 of 52 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 8 | 39 of 70 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Daniel Marcos | 14 of 30 | 46% | 13 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 18 of 31 | 58% | 17 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Angelo picks Yañez as the better boxer with faster hands, expecting a striking-only fight. He notes Yañez's technical boxing, fight IQ, and 100% takedown defense, while Marcos is undefeated but untested against high-level strikers. He believes Marcos will be forced into a boxing match where Yañez has the edge. He cannot bet on this fight due to unknowns about Marcos.
Big Brady picks Daniel Marcos to win by second-round knockout. He likes Marcos's diverse striking (leg kicks, body kicks, head kicks) and thinks Yañez is hittable and has durability issues, noting Yañez was knocked out by Rob Font. He expects Marcos to hurt Yañez and finish him.
Cody picks Daniel Marcos, citing his durability, cardio, and pressure fighting. He notes that Yañez has been knocked out by strikers and struggles against volume. Marcos's ability to take a shot and keep coming forward is key. Cody sees this as a striker vs striker matchup where Marcos's durability gives him the edge.
Connor picks Marcos, citing that his game has smaller gaps and he is more consistent. He notes that Marcos can target Yañez's leg kicks and build momentum over rounds, while Yañez may fade if his initial blitz fails. Connor acknowledges it's a close fight and could go either way.
Daniel Vreeland picks Daniel Marcos, citing his high fight IQ and well-rounded skills. He notes that Yañez is one-dimensional with fast hands but predictable, while Marcos can box, kickbox, wrestle, and do jiu-jitsu. Vreeland expects Marcos to avoid unnecessary pocket exchanges and use a varied attack. He mentions the price (-225) is a bit high but still picks Marcos.
Lucrative James picks Daniel Marcos to win, citing Marcos' superior striking skills, clinch work, and leg kicks. He acknowledges Marcos' cardio issues in round three but believes Marcos has enough early upside to win the first two rounds or secure a finish. He notes Yañez's toughness and cardio but points out Yañez's vulnerabilities to leg kicks and head punches, as seen in past losses.
Marcos's calf-kicking abilities will render Yañez defenseless, leading to a TKO victory within the second or third round. The public line movement from -170 to -230 supports this pick.
Paul leans towards Marcos, citing his durability and undefeated record. He notes that Yañez has questionable durability and has been knocked out before. Paul is concerned if Marcos doesn't push the pace, but overall favors Marcos's volume and pressure.
The MMA Guru initially leans toward Adrian Yañez due to his slick hands and underdog status, but after reviewing Marcos' undefeated record and tougher competition on the regional scene, he switches to Daniel Marcos. He predicts Marcos will use lateral movement and leg kicks to win a close decision (29-28). He admits Yañez may have the talent edge but trusts Marcos' resume.
Zane leans toward Yañez because of his flashier punching and ability to hurt opponents. He notes that Marcos has a tendency to have inactive periods and can be hurt, which could be dangerous against Yañez. However, Zane is concerned about Yañez's leg kick defense and his tendency to start fast and fade.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 1 | 36 of 56 | 64% | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Vinicius Salvador | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 17 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 1 | 36 of 56 | 64% | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Vinicius Salvador | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 17 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 36 of 56 | 64% | 27 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 9 | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 28 |
| Vinicius Salvador | 17 of 34 | 50% | 6 of 20 | 6 of 6 | 5 of 8 | 17 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 36 of 56 | 64% | 27 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 9 | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 28 |
| Vinicius Salvador | 17 of 34 | 50% | 6 of 20 | 6 of 6 | 5 of 8 | 17 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo acknowledges Adrian Yañez is the more technical striker with fast hands and real power, but he is coming off back-to-back finish losses and is a 3-to-1 favorite, which Angelo considers poor value. Vinicius Salvador is durable, has forward pressure, and is more well-rounded. Angelo leans Yañez due to his takedown defense and striking edge, but will not bet at current odds.
Cody sees this as a bounceback fight for Yañez, who is a slow starter but has the skills to take over. He notes Salvador is a career flyweight moving up, with no real power and poor takedown defense. Cody predicts Yañez will find his rhythm in the second round and potentially knock Salvador out in the third, as Salvador will feel the power of a true bantamweight.
Yañez has superior technical striking and underrated power. Salvador is 0-2 in the UFC, showboats, and has an unorthodox style but a good chin. Yañez should counter Salvador's flashy strikes and chip away to win a decision. A knockout is possible but not likely due to Salvador's durability.
Paul expects Yañez to get back on track after two tough losses. He notes Salvador is moving up from flyweight, where he was 0-2, and his striking volume and wrestling are not elite. Paul believes Yañez's boxing and body work will be too much, and he expects a finish later in the fight.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by TKO over Vinicius Salvador, calling it a 'layup' for Yañez. He criticizes Salvador's losses and lack of urgency, and believes Yañez's boxing will be superior. He notes that Yañez has shown takedown defense improvements and expects him to get back on track with a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 2 | 36 of 58 | 62% | 36 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 20 of 72 | 27% | 20 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 1 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 16 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 14 of 46 | 30% | 14 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 1 | 20 of 28 | 71% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 6 of 26 | 23% | 6 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 36 of 58 | 62% | 7 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 29 of 41 | 36 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 20 of 72 | 27% | 9 of 59 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 66 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 16 of 30 | 53% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 2 | 15 of 23 | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 14 of 46 | 30% | 5 of 37 | 8 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 20 of 28 | 71% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 | 20 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adrian Yañez | 6 of 26 | 23% | 4 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 22 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez despite the massive line movement toward Martinez. He believes Yañez's boxing is cleaner and faster, and his 100% takedown defense should keep the fight standing. However, he notes Yañez needs to not be gun-shy after his knockout loss and let his hands go. He expects a great fight and potential Fight of the Night.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez in a close fight. He thinks Yañez has the volume and power advantage, with great boxing and hand speed, while Martinez relies on kicks. He sees it as a 15-minute striking match that goes to decision, and worries about judges but leans Yañez as a bounce-back spot after his loss to Rob Font.
Cody picks Martinez, arguing that Yañez is overhyped and has not faced top competition. He points to Yañez's struggles against Randy Costa and Davey Grant, and his loss to Rob Font. Cody highlights Martinez's five-fight win streak, including a dominant win over Cub Swanson, and believes his jab and kicks will trouble Yañez. He also notes Martinez's improved cardio and seasoning at Factory X.
The host picks Adrian Yañez as an underdog, surprised at the betting public flipping on him after his loss to Rob Font. He believes Yañez's boxing combinations and power will counter Martinez's kicking game. He expects Yañez to crash the pocket and land a knockout, likely in the first two rounds.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Yañez has not been tested by wrestlers and that Martinez could mix in takedowns. He points out that Martinez's kicks can keep the fight at range, neutralizing Yañez's boxing. Paul also mentions that Martinez's volume is lower but his striking is effective, and he expects Martinez to win two of three rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez over Adrian Yañez. He notes Yañez's boxing is good but he has a weakness against kicks, as shown in his fight with Davey Grant (which he thinks Grant won). He praises Martinez's five-fight win streak, including wins over Cub Swanson and Said Nurmagomedov, and his ability to mix in low kicks. He believes Martinez has better momentum and will be more switched on, winning a close decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 1 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 33 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 1 | 33 of 75 | 44% | 33 of 75 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Font | 33 of 75 | 44% | 30 of 69 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
| Adrian Yañez | 25 of 54 | 46% | 21 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 51 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Font | 33 of 75 | 44% | 30 of 69 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 27 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
| Adrian Yañez | 25 of 54 | 46% | 21 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 51 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez but is not highly confident, noting that Rob Font is a clean technical striker who is very live. He thinks Yañez is a younger version of Font, faster and with more power, but Font has a good chin and could win. He warns that this could be a changing of the guard, but Font could also remind everyone he's still elite.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez despite wanting to pick Rob Font, due to Font's recent durability issues. He notes Font has taken massive damage in his last two fights and has been dropped repeatedly. He believes Yañez has power and volume, and can win by decision or knockout. He predicts a decision win for Yañez.
Cody agrees with Paul on Font. He points out that Yañez struggled early against Randy Costa, getting dominated in round one before Costa gassed. Cody believes Font's constant jab and long-range strikes will disrupt Yañez's timing and prevent him from landing his power shots. He sees Font's volume as overwhelming and thinks Yañez may struggle to find his rhythm. Cody also notes Font by decision at +200 is worth a look.
Connor picks Yañez because Font's defensive flaws are well-documented: he has poor footwork after committing to his right hand and relies on a static high guard. Yañez is a fantastic counter puncher who will find openings as Font falls into predictable rhythms. However, Connor notes that Yañez can be a slow starter and may lose the first round if Font's jab takes over. He also mentions that Yañez's high-output style can lead to fatigue, as seen against Davey Grant. Despite these concerns, Connor believes Yañez's sharp countering will eventually catch Font.
Jacob is extremely high on Adrian Yañez, calling him his guy and predicting he will be champion by 2025. He praises Yañez's beautiful boxing, combinations, and power. He believes Yañez will find the timing and land the more impactful shots, possibly finishing inside the distance. He acknowledges that Yañez can be a slow starter but trusts his dog mentality.
Font has high output, a great jab, and good footwork, but his durability is questionable after losses to Aldo and Vera. Yañez is a crisp boxer with power, but this is his toughest test. Font's volume and jab could frustrate Yañez, and Font's cardio should hold up. However, if Font's chin is shot, Yañez could land a big shot. I lean Font by decision but with hesitation.
Paul likes Rob Font as a plus-money underdog. He questions Yañez's level of competition, noting his wins are over lower-tier fighters and his only step-up against Davey Grant was a close split decision. Paul highlights Font's elite striking volume, footwork, and jab, and notes that Font has gone five rounds with top bantamweights. He acknowledges Font's tendency to get knocked down but believes his volume and experience will overwhelm Yañez.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by decision. He expects Font to have success early with his jab and takedowns, but Yañez will weather the storm and start finding his range. He predicts Yañez will hurt Font badly in rounds two and three, with moments of near-finishes, but Font will survive to the final bell. He compares it to a Marlon Vera-esque performance.
Zane picks Yañez because Font's defensive issues are severe: he gets hit cleanly in every fight and has been knocked down repeatedly. Yañez is a sharp counter puncher who will exploit Font's tendency to leave himself open after throwing the right hand. Zane acknowledges that Yañez may start slow and lose the first round, but he expects Yañez to figure out Font's rhythm and land big shots. He also notes that Font's chin is a major concern, as even if Yañez fades, he only needs one clean shot to change the fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 1 | 35 of 67 | 52% | 36 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Tony Kelley | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 21 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 1 | 35 of 67 | 52% | 36 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Tony Kelley | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 21 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 35 of 67 | 52% | 29 of 60 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 29 of 60 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 |
| Tony Kelley | 20 of 49 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 6 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 35 of 67 | 52% | 29 of 60 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 29 of 60 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 |
| Tony Kelley | 20 of 49 | 40% | 12 of 29 | 6 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Tony Kelley in an upset, citing his forward pressure, volume, and ability to disrupt Adrian Yañez's rhythm. He notes Yañez's slow starts and willingness to brawl, which plays into Kelley's hands. He mentions Kelley's impressive win over Randy Costa (129 strikes to 32) and believes Kelley can maintain pace.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez to win by third-round knockout. He notes Yañez is a slow starter but has clear power advantage and good combinations, while Kelley is very hittable with 45% striking defense. He expects Kelley to win the first round but Yañez's damage to accumulate and lead to a late knockout.
Cody picks Yañez but emphasizes the over 2.5 rounds as the best bet on the card. He notes neither fighter has been finished and Yañez tends to have close fights. He thinks Yañez's technical striking will win but the fight goes to decision. He calls the over 2.5 a 'face slapper' line.
Daniel Levi leans Adrian Yañez, citing his cleaner hands and improved kicking game, plus the hometown advantage in Texas. However, he notes Yañez absorbs a lot of strikes (nearly six per minute) and Tony Kelley is a durable, high-output fighter who could make it competitive. Levi thinks it will be a close three-round fight and Yañez may get a decision, but the -280 price is too high for comfort. He acknowledges Kelley at +240 has value.
Paul is considering a Tony Kelley play, noting Yañez's struggles against aggressive fighters and his close split decisions. He thinks Kelley's durability and improved training with Andrea Lee make him a live underdog. He also likes the over 2.5 rounds.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez, though he worries about his performance against Davey Grant. He believes Tony Kelley is tough but has been eking out close decisions. He expects Yañez to use better distance control and body shots, winning a decision (29-28 or 30-27) in a scrappy fight, with Kelley surviving but losing.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 0 | 98 of 273 | 35% | 98 of 274 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 100 of 255 | 39% | 100 of 255 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 0 | 29 of 74 | 39% | 29 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 24 of 65 | 36% | 24 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Adrian Yañez | 0 | 27 of 92 | 29% | 27 of 93 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 31 of 81 | 38% | 31 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Adrian Yañez | 0 | 42 of 107 | 39% | 42 of 107 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Davey Grant | 0 | 45 of 109 | 41% | 45 of 109 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yañez | 98 of 273 | 35% | 40 of 182 | 40 of 68 | 18 of 23 | 98 of 272 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 100 of 255 | 39% | 66 of 212 | 14 of 22 | 20 of 21 | 100 of 255 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Yañez | 29 of 74 | 39% | 5 of 42 | 15 of 21 | 9 of 11 | 29 of 74 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 24 of 65 | 36% | 15 of 52 | 5 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 65 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Adrian Yañez | 27 of 92 | 29% | 19 of 66 | 3 of 18 | 5 of 8 | 27 of 91 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 31 of 81 | 38% | 21 of 70 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 31 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Adrian Yañez | 42 of 107 | 39% | 16 of 74 | 22 of 29 | 4 of 4 | 42 of 107 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Davey Grant | 45 of 109 | 41% | 30 of 90 | 5 of 8 | 10 of 11 | 45 of 109 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The prelims were rough, but an immediate “Fight of the Night” contender greets fans in the main card opener between Yanez (14-3, 3-0 UFC) and Grant (13-5, 4-4 UFC), in an intriguing striker-grappler affair at 135 pounds. Yanez has won all three of his UFC outings by knockout, while Grant has never been knocked out with his last two victories also by KO. Something might have to give, and referee Herb Dean is ready to catch the chips that fall where they may. They touch gloves before getting down to business, and Yanez tries to get the fight over early with a huge right hand that whizzes past his target. Grant backs away, chops at the leg a few times, and then goes up higher with a kick. Yanez looks to counter Grant’s kicks, or attempts to check them down low. Yanez walks through a few kicks, and Grant keeps letting go with leg strikes of all direction. The front kicks land flush, and the Brit turns through a kick to spin with a back fist that just misses. An inside leg kick from Grant trips Yanez down to the ground, but Yanez gets up and aims a right hand across the bow. Grant stays composed, but Yanez bears down on him with one to the body and one to the head. Yanez scores a leg kick, and he clips his foe with a left hand. “Dangerous Davey” just misses with a spinning wheel kick, and Yanez blocks a subsequent flying knee so that he can let go with a few punches up top. Body kicks from both feet connect for Grant, and he just misses with a looping left hand. Yanez does not appear concerned and is calmly attempting to counter, with a right hook that is not far from the mark. Grant kicks Yanez in the calf again, causing Yanez to lose his footing, and Yanez gathers himself with a one-two that cuts Grant on the nose. Grant puts a few punches on Yanez, and Yanez slips a spinning wheel kick that comes right after. Grant stands tall and gets nailed with a left and a right, and the Houstonian ducks a punch to nail Grant with a right hand. Grant shakes it off and raises his arms in the air to celebrate a tough scrap, and they stand right in front of one another and bang. When they back away, Grant keeps his distance with reaching front and high kicks. Grant takes a leg kick, and a punch that busts his nose up a little more. The Brit spins with a hook kick to the legs in the vein of Andy Hug, and Yanez shrugs it off so that he can wind up a right hand. Grant swings and misses, and he turns all the way through with a tornado punch after a full rotation. Right after that bounces off Yanez’ shoulder, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yanez
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Yanez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yanez
Round 2
The bantamweights clap hands before getting right to it, with heavy strikes right out of the gate. Grant backs off to land a low kick, and then a combination of punches follows. Shortly after another kick to the calf from Grant, Yanez snipes him with a right hand but Grant is not fazed. They trade ferociously, and one kick collides with Yanez’ cup, but Yanez does not want to pause. Grant keeps his range with kicks, and he tries to spin with them but Yanez sees them coming. Yanez brushes off punches and kicks, but a scraping finger to the eye makes the American take a break. Dean brings in the doctor, who lets Yanez wipe his own eye out. After a minute to recover and blink it out, they clap hands to start off again. Grant surges forward with a single-leg takedown try immediately, and Yanez stuffs it and even tags Grant with a right hand as they separate. Yanez begins to chop at Grant’s legs with kicks, and they go back to full-throated brawling, with each landing cleanly and not budging. Grant’s nose gets battered even more after absorbing blows, but he does not seem to care as he spins with a back fist and then a follow-up punch with the momentum. Yanez stays composed, but Grant swipes a right hand around the guard right in the face. Yanez scores a one-two, and Grant is right there to answer back. These two bantamweights are not afraid of the other’s power, and they have complete faith in their chins as they are unloading with ferocious strikes. A looping punch leads to a knee, and Grant lands to score a few punches and shake Yanez up a little. The Houstonian wears it well and marches forward to engage, but Grant’s looping shots still find their home on the nose. Grant keeps his hands wide, using awkward striking and the occasional head kick to keep Yanez honest. A few more dangerous shots from “Dangerous Davey” connect right before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Yanez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Round 3
The gloves get touched to start the last round, and they unload immediately. Grant lands a few kicks, including a head kick that glances off the side of Yanez’ head, and Yanez tries to return fire. Yanez flicks out a jab or two, and Grant still manages to connect with his wild right hand. Grant rushes forward with his sprinting, spinning blow, but Yanez sees it coming and tries to intercept him with a heavy calf kick. Grant checks it, and Yanez marks him up with a one-two. Grant shrugs it off to attack with a flying knee, and he winds up with power punches even as Yanez scores a clean combination right on the face. Yanez sinks in a one-two, and Grant comes back at him with a spinning back kick. Yanez connects with a single right hand, and Grant eats it so that he can chain together a combination of punches and a head kick. Yanez’ strikes are cleaner and crisper, while Grant’s looping punches sound louder. Yanez dings Grant with a few punches, and Grant is right there every time to throw right back at him even as the blood continues to flow. Yanez sticks out a piston-like jab several times to bloody Grant up badly, and Grant is able to still be in his face throwing everything and the kitchen sink. The easiest pick for “Fight of the Night” so far is going down in the cage tonight, and Yanez triples up on a jab only to absorb a flush overhand right. Grant lines up a left hook, and then another, as Yanez tries to defend himself. Yanez continues to batter Grant with a jab, and the jab is disrupting the ridiculous hooks of his opponent. Yanez is able to stick and move, rolling with the telegraphed power punches and letting them hit his shoulder. Yanez lands jab after jab, and Grant lets it go with a leaping kick, a few wild punches, a knee and a couple more punchers for good measure. Yanez stays light on his feet, dodging and weaving from most of them while piercing the guard with his jab. The fight ends with a fun exchange, putting a cap on the best fight on the card so far. When the battle ends, Yanez collapses to the ground in tears, letting out all of his emotions as he mourns his fallen coach Saul Soliz.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yanez (29-28 Yanez)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Yanez (30-27 Yanez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yanez (29-28 Yanez)
The Official Result
Adrian Yanez def. Davey Grant via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez but is hesitant, noting Davey Grant has a clear path to victory via grappling. He acknowledges Yañez is the cleaner striker with a good chin, but Grant is a grappler at heart who could mix in takedowns. He does not place a bet because he sees value on Grant as a live dog. He expects Yañez to win but not confidently enough to bet.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez to win by third-round knockout. He praises Yañez's striking, speed, and volume, and notes his 100% takedown defense in the UFC. He believes Davey Grant's recent striking success won't work against Yañez, and that Yañez has paths to victory both on the feet and on the ground. He predicts Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant.
Cody picks Yañez despite the high price. He praises Yañez's crisp boxing and compares him to Jorge Masvidal. He notes that Yañez is a slow starter but takes over as opponents fade, as seen against Randy Costa. He believes Yañez's striking is superior and that Grant is hittable, having been wobbled in recent fights. Cody is concerned about Grant's takedowns and top game, but thinks Yañez's takedown defense will hold up and he will win rounds two and three.
Daniel Levi confidently picks Adrian Yañez to knock out Davey Grant. He praises Yañez's clean hands, countering ability, and toughness, noting that he has never been knocked out. He criticizes Grant's chin-up style and wild looping shots, believing Yañez's superior boxing will capitalize on openings. Levi predicts Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant.
Lock thinks Yañez will be the first to knock out Grant. He notes Grant has never been KO'd but has taken damage, especially in his last fight. Yañez has straight punches and speed advantage, and Lock believes he will counter Grant's looping hooks. He likes Yañez by KO at around -105 rather than the -310 moneyline.
Paul likes Yañez's hands but is concerned about the -320 price. He points out that Yañez had a bad first round against Randy Costa, looking gun-shy and overwhelmed by volume. He notes that Davey Grant is tough, has never been knocked out, and brings volume and pressure. Paul thinks Yañez could be a live bet candidate if he starts slow again. He is waiting for weigh-ins before committing fully.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by KO in the first round. He notes that Davey Grant is open to shots, as seen in his fight against Jonathan Martinez where he was dropped. He highlights Yañez's quick hands, reach advantage, and training with Aljamain Sterling, which gives him confidence in grappling defense. He expects Yañez to find his range, land a big shot as Grant loads up, and finish with ground and pound.
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo picks Adrian Yañez but is not highly confident, noting that Rob Font is a clean technical striker who is very live. He thinks Yañez is a younger version of Font, faster and with more power, but Font has a good chin and could win. He warns that this could be a changing of the guard, but Font could also remind everyone he's still elite.
Big Brady picks Adrian Yañez despite wanting to pick Rob Font, due to Font's recent durability issues. He notes Font has taken massive damage in his last two fights and has been dropped repeatedly. He believes Yañez has power and volume, and can win by decision or knockout. He predicts a decision win for Yañez.
Cody agrees with Paul on Font. He points out that Yañez struggled early against Randy Costa, getting dominated in round one before Costa gassed. Cody believes Font's constant jab and long-range strikes will disrupt Yañez's timing and prevent him from landing his power shots. He sees Font's volume as overwhelming and thinks Yañez may struggle to find his rhythm. Cody also notes Font by decision at +200 is worth a look.
Connor picks Yañez because Font's defensive flaws are well-documented: he has poor footwork after committing to his right hand and relies on a static high guard. Yañez is a fantastic counter puncher who will find openings as Font falls into predictable rhythms. However, Connor notes that Yañez can be a slow starter and may lose the first round if Font's jab takes over. He also mentions that Yañez's high-output style can lead to fatigue, as seen against Davey Grant. Despite these concerns, Connor believes Yañez's sharp countering will eventually catch Font.
Jacob is extremely high on Adrian Yañez, calling him his guy and predicting he will be champion by 2025. He praises Yañez's beautiful boxing, combinations, and power. He believes Yañez will find the timing and land the more impactful shots, possibly finishing inside the distance. He acknowledges that Yañez can be a slow starter but trusts his dog mentality.
Font has high output, a great jab, and good footwork, but his durability is questionable after losses to Aldo and Vera. Yañez is a crisp boxer with power, but this is his toughest test. Font's volume and jab could frustrate Yañez, and Font's cardio should hold up. However, if Font's chin is shot, Yañez could land a big shot. I lean Font by decision but with hesitation.
Paul likes Rob Font as a plus-money underdog. He questions Yañez's level of competition, noting his wins are over lower-tier fighters and his only step-up against Davey Grant was a close split decision. Paul highlights Font's elite striking volume, footwork, and jab, and notes that Font has gone five rounds with top bantamweights. He acknowledges Font's tendency to get knocked down but believes his volume and experience will overwhelm Yañez.
The MMA Guru picks Adrian Yañez to win by decision. He expects Font to have success early with his jab and takedowns, but Yañez will weather the storm and start finding his range. He predicts Yañez will hurt Font badly in rounds two and three, with moments of near-finishes, but Font will survive to the final bell. He compares it to a Marlon Vera-esque performance.
Zane picks Yañez because Font's defensive issues are severe: he gets hit cleanly in every fight and has been knocked down repeatedly. Yañez is a sharp counter puncher who will exploit Font's tendency to leave himself open after throwing the right hand. Zane acknowledges that Yañez may start slow and lose the first round, but he expects Yañez to figure out Font's rhythm and land big shots. He also notes that Font's chin is a major concern, as even if Yañez fades, he only needs one clean shot to change the fight.
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