Rob Font has his sights set on another champion for his next planned outing in the UFC.
Rob Font made the most of the biggest opportunity of his career thus far at UFC Vegas 17, and he wants to follow it up with another one.
Font met former World Series of Fighting and UFC title challenger Marlon Moraes and put him out with a first-round technical knockout in a statement-making victory after more than a year away from competition. Font was overcome by emotion at the end of the fight, but was able to compose himself enough to lay out what he wants next after such a powerful return.
When speaking to Daniel Cormier during his post-fight interview, Font said that he did not have a preference for his next opponent, but went on to specifically mention former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw as a possibility.
“It doesn’t really matter, man,” said Font. “I know T.J. Dillashaw is out there. It doesn’t really matter, honestly. Whatever fight that gets me closer to the belt, I’m there.”
Dillashaw has been serving a two-year suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency after testing positive for EPO in a post-fight drug test stemming from his failed title bid against then-champion Henry Cejudo at UFC Brooklyn in 2019. The suspension was retroactive to the date of the failed drug test, so Dillashaw is now only a few weeks away from being eligible to return.
Although he has stated he would like to fight for the bantamweight championship he relinquished two years ago in his first fight back, Dillashaw will more than likely have to take on a ranked contender before then. If that is indeed the case, then Font is more than willing to serve as that contender for Dillashaw.
“I would love to fight that guy,” said Font during his post-fight press conference (video by MMA Junkie). He’s an ex-champ. Big name. Huge name. If I don’t get that fight, I would just love to headline a card. Once I’m big, either a big name [or] some type of headline. I would even fill in for the champ. We’ll figure something out.”
Font has hopes of having a big 2021 that is punctuated by him fighting for the title after dealing with an extended period of being on the sidelines due to a knee injury. He detailed what that time away was like for him, and while it was tough, he has moved forward.
“A year off of injury, it was tough,” said Font. “It was real tough, sitting around [and] going crazy in the house. Limping around on one leg, trying to shadowbox, holding the sofa trying to throw kicks and just practicing my kung-fu basically. It was tough, but once I got done with the rehab and got into that strength and conditioning phase, I was back. I’m just happy, man.”
Font is now on a three-fight win streak over names such as Sergio Pettis, Ricky Simon and the aforementioned Moraes. With the latest win, Font is poised to trade in his No. 11 ranking for a much higher one after dispatching the No. 3 ranked contender in the division.