While many around the sport may question UFC star Sean O’Malley’s rise into a championship opportunity at UFC 292, fellow top 10 bantamweight Rob Font has nothing but respect for how the young star worked his way into a title fight.
It was reported on Wednesday that Rob Font (20-6) will make his return to the Octagon on August 19 at UFC 292, and will face off with another fighter in our UFC bantamweight rankings, Yadong Song. The 35-year-old will be looking for a second straight win and hopefully build some momentum toward a championship opportunity in the near future.
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On that same event in Boston, Font will get to see some potential championship opponents up close when division king Aljamain Sterling defends his 135-pound title against fan-favorite rising star, Sean O’Malley in the main event of the pay-per-view card.
O’Malley’s rise to become a title challenger has been questioned by some. The common critique is his fight schedule has been carefully curated by the promotion and he has used his brash and colorful personality to talk his way into major opportunities. However, while some of his contemporaries may resent his spot at UFC 292, Rob Font believes “Suga” has shown just how wise he is to the business side of the fight game.
“I get it man, I wish I was in his spot right now,” Rob Font said during an appearance on this week’s edition of Sportsnaut’s Scrap Report. “He’s doing his thing, I can’t hate on him at all. I like what he’s doing. He’s got to the belt. He kind of skipped the line, but you know, why not if you can? Especially in this game, I get it. Keep doing your thing. More power to him. I’ve just got to get back to what I’m doing. I see what he’s doing [and] he’s probably one of the smartest in the game.”
Rob Font record: 20-6 (9 KO, 4 submissions)
Yet, for as much respect as he has for him as a businessman and fighter, when asked about who he sees walking out of the TD Garden with the bantamweight belt, Font gives the edge to the reigning champion.
“I think I’m leaning towards the champ on this one,” says Font. “It’s going to be entertaining and fun. I think [Sterling] is going to take a couple of big shots coming in and getting to that clinch. Big uppercuts, knees, certain little things that a natural longer, rangier striker lands against the wrestler. I think O’Malley better do it in three rounds. The extra fourth and fifth round with that guy coming at you is going to be tough. I think [Sterling] pulls it off and wins a decision.”
In Rob Font’s exclusive chat on the Scrap Report, the 26-fight veteran spoke about his fantastic first-round knockout win over rising star Adrian Yanez in April. His interest in a potential matchup with former two-division champion Henry Cejudo — who will also compete at UFC 292. If he has any interest in a move to boxing when his UFC contract ends, and how fatherhood has had not only a major effect on his career but on his outlook on life.
UFC 292 goes down on August 19 inside the TD Garden Arena in Boston, Massachusetts. The event will air exclusively on ESPN+ with main card action beginning at 10 PM ET.