- George Chung
- Oct 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Rob Font, the seasoned UFC bantamweight, is set to take on a new challenge this Saturday, October 19, 2024, in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The 37-year-old veteran will face Kyler Phillips, a rising star in the 135-pound division, looking to prove once again that experience is a crucial weapon in the octagon.
Font's UFC journey, which began in 2014 with a first-round knockout of George Roop, has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the last decade, Font has fought a who’s who of the bantamweight division, sharing the cage with the likes of former champions Jose Aldo, Cody Garbrandt, and Deiveson Figueiredo, as well as top contenders like Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Vera. His record may show some ups and downs, but Font has consistently demonstrated resilience, evolving his game as the competition intensifies.
The Road So Far: A Veteran’s Tale of Grit
Font's ascent in the UFC has been defined by his willingness to face anyone, anywhere, at any time. In fact, he thrives on challenges, having never shied away from taking on both established legends and dangerous prospects alike. His devastating knockout of Adrian Yanez in April 2023, which earned him a third Performance of the Night bonus, stands as a testament to his ability to finish fights against top-tier opponents.
This mindset—coupled with his long-standing affiliation with the New England Cartel, led by fellow UFC standout Calvin Kattar—has kept Font relevant in one of the UFC's deepest divisions. Despite back-to-back losses to Jose Aldo and Deiveson Figueiredo, Font’s hunger to improve has not diminished. He has learned valuable lessons from these high-profile fights, particularly regarding game planning and pacing, and is eager to put these lessons to use against Phillips.
Where Font Stands in the Bantamweight Division
At 37, Font may not be the freshest name in the division, but he remains a dangerous threat. His current standing in the UFC bantamweight rankings reflects both his skill and the depth of competition in the division. While he’s no longer in the title conversation, his experience, power, and technical striking make him a formidable gatekeeper for young prospects looking to break into the top 10.
A victory over Kyler Phillips, a dynamic and creative fighter, would serve as a reminder that Font still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. The 135-pound division is stacked, with names like champion Sean O'Malley, Merab Dvalishvili, and Petr Yan leading the pack, but Font’s extensive experience and ability to finish fights make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the top 10.
What to Expect Against Kyler Phillips
Kyler Phillips is an unpredictable and fast starter, known for his unorthodox striking and solid wrestling game. At 28, Phillips represents the new generation of bantamweight fighters, looking to make a name for himself by defeating a seasoned contender like Font. However, Font’s experience gives him a strategic edge in this matchup. Having faced and beaten younger, faster fighters before, Font understands the importance of staying composed under pressure and picking his shots.
As Font himself noted, “The experience part does play a little bit into it,” reflecting on his previous fights against champions and top-tier competitors. He knows how to navigate the chaos of the octagon, and he plans to capitalize on Phillips’ aggression, countering with precision strikes and punishing mistakes.
This fight is also significant for Font on a personal level. With his daughter, Emerald, and his family by his side, Font enters this fight with added motivation to provide for his loved ones and snap a two-fight losing streak. His focus and dedication to evolving his game remain strong, and fans can expect him to leave it all in the octagon.
Prediction: Will Experience Prevail?
Given Font’s track record against high-level competition, expect him to approach this fight methodically, using his veteran savvy to counter Phillips’ youthful explosiveness. While Phillips is a fast starter, Font has the tools to slow the pace and force his opponent into making errors. Font’s ability to land fight-ending shots, combined with his willingness to go the distance, makes him a dangerous opponent even in later rounds.
This fight has all the makings of a classic veteran-vs-prospect matchup, and Rob Font, with over a decade of UFC experience, looks ready to show Kyler Phillips how it’s done at the highest level.
Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Prelims kick off at 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT, followed by the main card at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT, streaming live on ESPN+.
