Rob Font has some thoughts on the state of the UFC bantamweight division and what the future could hold.
Font is set for a pivotal bout in the 135-pound division. He will face Cory Sandhagen on the UFC Nashville card on August 5. Font was initially set to meet Song Yadong at UFC 292, but plans changed. Umar Nurmagomedov was scheduled to meet Cory Sandhagen, but he suffered a shoulder injury during training. The UFC moved Font to the Nashville event.
A MONSTER RIGHT! 👊@RobSFont stuns Almeida early in round two. #UFC220 pic.twitter.com/mA21goSMcS
— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2018
Where Rob Font Fits In UFC Bantamweight Title Picture
In an exclusive interview with MiddleEasy, Rob Font told Mike Owens that a victory over Cory Sandhagen would be huge for his path to the 135-pound title.
“It puts me right back into that conversation,” Font said. “It’s perfect ’cause obviously they’ll have that fight in Boston and I’ll be there, man.”
On Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley At UFC 292
Font hasn’t fully locked in his pick for the next UFC bantamweight title fight between champion Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley. With that said, the number seven-ranked UFC 135-pounder knows who he’s leaning towards.
“Definitely want to look at it a little more, but my first natural gut instinct wants to go with the champ,” Font said. “I can see him getting hurt in the first two rounds coming in with like a knee or him backing up, getting hit with a kick or something like that. Sean’s smooth, he understands range very well, but I think Aljo is just so dominant and so dedicated to just getting to the legs, getting to the cage, getting to the back that he only needs to do it once or twice and it’s a long night for anybody.”
Sterling Possibly Moving Up To Featherweight
Font was also asked about whether or not a move to featherweight for Sterling would benefit him. After all, a vacant bantamweight title could mean Font gets the next title shot with a win over Sandhagen. Font explained why it might be beneficial for everyone in the bantamweight division.
“Yes and no,” Font said. “I’m just too focused on Cory right now, man. To give you an answer, though, it’ll probably be better. Obviously, the whole Merab [Dvalishvili] and him situation can only happen so many times. So, the longer they’re not in that situation, the better for the whole division.”
