At UFC 226, Raphael Assuncao and Rob Font fought in an important fight for the bantamweight division.
UFC 226 on Saturday night in Las Vegas was key for the 135lb weight class. Bantamweight is a stacked division in the UFC: Raphael Assuncao was on a three fight winning streak and had won 10 of his last 11 fights, with the lone loss to TJ Dillashaw (he also defeated Dillashaw in that timespan). Rob Font on the other hand had destroyed Thomas Almedia last time out and had won three of his last four fights. A win for Assuncao could set up a fight for the title and a win for Font could skyrocket him up the division. In short, there was a lot on the line in Assuncao vs. Font.
The beginning of the fight saw both fighters feel each other out, Assuncao looking to land leg kicks and Font looking to pump the jab early. Near the end of the first round we saw Assuncao land a nice one-two combination that dropped Font to his knees before recovering very quickly and seeing the end of the round.
The second round saw Assuncao shooting for, and getting a takedown less than ten seconds into the round. Assuncao kept on top and was consistently working from the top on Font, Rob tried to spin out but couldn’t get up until about halfway through the round. Font tried to move in and pressure Assuncao on the feet but didn’t have much success as he couldn’t find the range he wanted.
Assuncao letting his hands go and landing on Font in round 2! #UFC226 pic.twitter.com/fqUhZJM7UG
— UFC (@ufc) July 8, 2018
Rob Font had major trouble landing anything of significance against Assuncao in the third, and couldn’t find the range he wanted. He also lacked the speed or power to threaten his opponent, never really earning Assuncao’s respect. Assuncao on the other hand landed a number of combinations, leg kicks, and takedowns. Near the end of the third Assuncao got a takedown to pretty much seal the victory for the Brazilian.
Raphael Assuncao def. Rob Font by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
