LAS VEGAS — Rob Font made a statement Saturday night.
The Woburn, Mass., native was supposed to fight in one of the Fight Pass early prelims at UFC 213, but his bout against Douglas Silva de Andrade was moved to the main card after Amanda Nunes pulled out of her title fight with an illness.
That gave Font, a bantamweight fighter, the chance to impress mixed martial arts fans on pay-per-view, and he didn’t disappoint.
Straight right, then the left, then the BIG KNEE combo lands for @RobSFont! #UFC213 pic.twitter.com/Fqes1bGure
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2017
Overhand right connects and @RobSFont rocks de Andrade!! #UFC213 pic.twitter.com/6yIZpf25W1
What do you think? Leave a comment.— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2017
Font dominated most of the fight at T-Mobile Arena, and he ultimately scored a submission victory with 24 seconds left in the second round.
Once the fight was over, Font made another statement to his fellow UFC fighters.
We believe you, @RobSFont. Without a doubt 😳 #UFC213 pic.twitter.com/KMoSS6qqu6
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2017
“I am very thankful for this win,” Font said, via the UFC. “Another fight, another finish, and I got to show off striking and wrestling in this one. I wanted to show that I’m a well-rounded fighter. I feel like I’m up there with the top guys in the division. With another couple wins, I want to be in the top 5.
“I’m heading back to the gym to get ready, and I want someone who is above me in the rankings next. I would love to fight Pedro Munhoz, but I’ll talk to the matchmakers and figure out who is next.”
Font improved to 14-2 as a pro and 4-1 in the UFC with the victory. Silva de Andrade fell to 24-2 as a pro and 2-2 in the UFC.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images