The MMA Daily

Preview

In the main event of the evening, we have an important fight in the Bantamweight division, as Rob Font takes on the former UFC Featherweight Champion Jose ‘Junior’ Aldo. In a division that is somewhat in flux, both men are ranked in the top five. The winner is unlikely to earn a title shot, however a title eliminator next seems logical. Font comes into this main event on a four-fight win streak. While Font has only stopped one opponent during the winning streak, he has landed 90 or more significant strikes in the other three fights. In other words, if Font can’t knock you out, expect to be in for a long night of punishment. Meanwhile, Aldo has won two-straight fights and in his most recent victory over Pedro Munhoz, looked better than ever. Landing a career-high 114 significant strikes in three rounds, Aldo seems to be able to continually reinvent himself. At 35 years of age, there is still time for Aldo to once again capture UFC gold.

Prediction

This is a great main event between not only two strikers, but two legitimate contenders in a stacked Bantamweight division. Rob Font is an excellent boxer, who along with technique, brings forth volume. Landing 5.58 significant strikes per minute, Font is among the leaders in that category in the UFC. In fact, he ranks 6th all-time in the Bantamweight division. With excellent cardio and constant pressure, Font looks to outlast opponents and systematically break them down. As for Jose Aldo, once known for his leg kicks, the Brazilian is more of a boxer these days. A damn good one at that. Looking to keep range, Aldo will pump a jab to set up his hooks and body shots. Still explosive, Aldo isn’t afraid to lunge in to get off a flurry before exiting. The one area where Aldo is excellent too, is the ground. However, that wrinkle of his game is never utilized due to his willingness to just strike.

As for a prediction, I’m going with Aldo. While I went back-and-forth with this one, I believe that Aldo not only is the better striker, but he has the ability to grapple in his back pocket. Something that could turn the fight vastly in Aldo’s favor, as Font has notably had trouble fending off takedowns. However, Aldo has rarely grappled and it may be a bit foolish on my part to think he does. The real main concern I have in this fight however for the Brazilian is the pace. Font is a workhorse and has excellent cardio. If he pushes a hard pace from the start, I could see him outlasting Aldo and taking the later rounds. Potentially even finishing Aldo. Then again, Aldo is 26-1 against non-UFC champions, seemingly finding a way to beat those not on that championship level. So with that said, I have Aldo winning via decision.