Veteran bantamweight Rob Font finds himself in a classic crossroads matchup at UFC 326, where experience meets rising hype. Standing across from him on Saturday night will be surging prospect Raul Rosas Jr., a young contender eager to claim the biggest name of his career while Font looks to remind the division that he’s far from done competing at the highest level.
“His name got brought when I was supposed to fight Dominick Cruz. Cruz got injured. They threw his name out there. For about a week I thought I was fighting him and then it didn’t happen,” Font told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“Then I show up to Vegas for Calvin’s (Kattar) fight, and I finally get (Jean) Matsumoto. He’s been on my radar since then.”
Font acknowledged the unique spotlight surrounding the matchup, noting that the rising star across from him has generated an unusual level of attention heading into the fight. Even with a resume filled with former champions and elite opponents, he admitted this moment carries a different kind of energy.
“100%. He has that buzz going on. I haven’t fought anybody with this much buzz. I fought champs, and legends like (Jose) Aldo, but it didn’t feel like this,” he said.
“This feels pretty big.”
Font also laughed when reflecting on the age difference between himself and Rosas Jr., acknowledging just how wide the generational gap is between the two bantamweights. The veteran admitted the realization hit him recently when he saw a social media post pointing out the timing of his UFC debut compared to Rosas Jr.’s childhood.
“Somebody tagged me in a post the other day. I made my debut here in 2014. Like his 10th birthday I think with a birthday cake,” he said laughing.
“So I’m like sh*t yeah. I’m starting to feel like the Unc out here. It’s cool man, I like the role, I don’t mind it.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Rob Font above. He faces Raul Rosas Jr at UFC 326 on Saturday night.