Rob Font: José Aldo Hasn’t Faced A Jab Like Mine

UFC bantamweight contender Rob Font believes he’ll be bringing a weapon to José Aldo that the former featherweight champion has never faced before.

The pair are set to collide in this weekend’s UFC Vegas 44 main event, which will be held in the fam…

José Aldo, Rob Font

UFC bantamweight contender Rob Font believes he’ll be bringing a weapon to José Aldo that the former featherweight champion has never faced before.

The pair are set to collide in this weekend’s UFC Vegas 44 main event, which will be held in the familiar surroundings of the Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. For Font, Saturday’s clash will represent his second headliner of the year.

Since defeats to Pedro Munhoz and Raphael Assunção stalled his rise up the 135-pound ladder, Font has been unstoppable. In three straight wins, the 34-year-old defeated Sergio Pettis and Ricky Simón on the scorecards, and finished former title challenger Marlon Moraes.

Those victories earned him a main event slot against Cody Garbrandt. Across five rounds at UFC Vegas 27 earlier this year, Font outstruck the former champ on his way to a comfortable unanimous decision.

With his place in the top five and title contention cemented, Font will look to jump one step closer to the throne with a victory over Aldo this weekend.

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Font “Lives And Breathes” With His Jab

Aldo is widely regarded as the greatest featherweight of all time. The two-time and inaugural 145-pound titleholder defended the gold a record seven times between 2011 and 2015. In that period, he fended off the challenges of Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar, and “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung.

Given his upcoming foe’s success at featherweight, and reported weight struggles earlier in his career, Rob Font told MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck that he never thought a fight against Aldo was a possibility.

“I’d have thought you were crazy man (if you pitched a fight with Aldo years ago), especially (because) he was having trouble making weight for a little bit at 45, you know. There was a couple times where there was rumors that he wasn’t gonna make the weight and all that. So, I definitely wouldn’t have believed he’d make his way down to 35. I don’t know what he did with a nutritionist, if he got a nutritionist or whatever, but he’s making weight… Now we get to jump in there and mix it up, and become a legend.”

Despite his opponent’s immense experience, which has seen him rack up 37 professional fights across over 17 years in the sport, Font expects to have something new for Aldo. The Massachusetts native doubts that “Junior” has ever faced a jab quite like his.

“It’s crazy because he’s fought everybody you could think of, from Max Holloway to Volkanovski to Faber, back in the day with WEC. He’s seen it, done it, so there’s nothing that I can throw at him that he hasn’t seen, except for how consistent I am with my jab and how much I believe in it; how dedicated I am to it. I do believe that I’m really consistent and accurate with it, and I don’t think he’s ever fought anyone that lives and breathes with their jab.”

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As well as the blockbuster main event between Font and Aldo, a number of other matchups are set to thrill fans on Saturday night. In the co-main event, lightweight friends Brad Riddell and Rafael Fiziev will throw down in a fight many believe will earn the Fight of the Night honor.

Elsewhere, the likes of Jimmy Crute, Jamahal Hill, Alonzo Menifield, Mickey Gall, Louis Smolka, Clay Guida, and Brendan Allen will all be in action. It stands to reason they’ll set the table nicely for the night’s bantamweight main course.

Who do you think will have their hand raised in the UFC Vegas 44 main event, Rob Font or José Aldo?

Continue Reading Rob Font: José Aldo Hasn’t Faced A Jab Like Mine at MMA News.

Sandhagen: Font Beats Aldo 9 Times Out Of 10 In A 5-Rounder

UFC bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen has given his prediction for the upcoming 135-pound main event between Rob Font and José Aldo.

The pair are set to headline next weekend’s UFC Vegas 44 event inside the UFC Apex facility. Font, who has surg…

Cory Sandhagen, Rob Font vs. José Aldo

UFC bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen has given his prediction for the upcoming 135-pound main event between Rob Font and José Aldo.

The pair are set to headline next weekend’s UFC Vegas 44 event inside the UFC Apex facility. Font, who has surged up the rankings after an inconsistent start to his career in the promotion, will enter the clash riding a four-fight winning streak. Since losses to Pedro Munhoz and Raphael Assunção, the 34-year-old has outpointed Sergio Pettis, Ricky Simón, and Cody Garbrandt, and finished Marlon Moraes.

After a dominant main event victory over “No Love” earlier this year, Font will be preparing for his second consecutive main event. His opponent will also be carrying some form into the December 4 card.

After three consecutive defeats, including an 0-2 start at bantamweight, Aldo rebounded with controlling decisions over Munhoz and Marlon Vera. He’ll look to continue his road back to UFC gold with a victory over #4-ranked Font.

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Sandhagen Confidently Backs Font

Sandhagen, a former interim title challenger and undoubtedly one of the top contenders in the bantamweight division, has given his take on next weekend’s main event. Speaking to MMA journalist James Lynch, “The Sandman,” who is yet to meet either man inside the Octagon, suggested there’s little chance of the former featherweight champion getting the job done on December 4.

“Yeah, that’s a good one. I think Font will win. Is that one a five-rounder? I definitely think Font would win that 9 times out of 10 in a five-rounder. (I’ve) definitely got Font.”

Given the fact Sandhagen, who sits at #3 on the bantamweight ladder, recently fell short of an interim title crowning against Petr Yan at UFC 267, and has already fought and lost to #2-ranked contender TJ Dillashaw, it seems inevitable the 29-year-old will be matched up with the Font vs. Aldo victor in 2022.

Do you agree with Cory Sandhagen? Will Rob Font defeat José Aldo at UFC Vegas 44?

Continue Reading Sandhagen: Font Beats Aldo 9 Times Out Of 10 In A 5-Rounder at MMA News.

Aldo Targets Dillashaw Clash On Sterling/Yan 2 Undercard In 2022

With a victory over Rob Font at UFC Vegas 44 this weekend, José Aldo will be targeting a title eliminator against TJ Dillashaw in 2022.

After falling short of the vacant bantamweight gold against Petr Yan last July, not many would have expected Ald…

José Aldo, TJ Dillashaw

With a victory over Rob Font at UFC Vegas 44 this weekend, José Aldo will be targeting a title eliminator against TJ Dillashaw in 2022.

After falling short of the vacant bantamweight gold against Petr Yan last July, not many would have expected Aldo to mount another title run. At the time, the Brazilian was 3-5 since his first UFC defeat versus Conor McGregor, with setbacks against Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and a controversial decision loss to Marlon Moraes in his 135-pound debut.

But since a brutal TKO at UFC 251, Aldo has won back-to-back contests and established himself back into title contention. A unanimous decision triumph over Marlon Vera last December put him in the bantamweight win column for the first time, before a similar result against perennial contender Pedro Munhoz in August this year cemented his place in the top five.

“Junior” will look to climb closer to the top step when he collides with Font in this Saturday’s main event.

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Aldo Aims To Use Font & Dillashaw To Get Back To The Title

Despite certainly having his hands full with Font, who’s regarded as one of the top strikers in the division and has won his last four Octagon outings, Aldo still has one eye on the future. And should he emerge victorious inside the Apex, the veteran has his sights set on one top contender.

During an appearance on MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca, the former UFC Featherweight Champion acknowledged that a clash with TJ Dillashaw could happen in 2022 if he can extend his winning streak to three on December 4. In a perfect world, Aldo says it would go down on the same card as the unification bout between Aljamain Sterling and interim titleholder Petr Yan.

“It might happen. The fact Sterling is injured and we don’t know when he’s coming back, that (Dillashaw fight) could indeed happen in the future. Dillashaw and I, I don’t know if right now or in the near future, we want this fight. It’s a great fight for both of us, the UFC and the fans, so we’d all agree. I don’t know if it could be on the same card (as Sterling vs. Yan 2). If it is, I’ll be ready. My history is rich, so is his, and we need to make this fight.” (h/t MMA Mania)

Nevertheless, Aldo knows he can’t take Font lightly. This weekend will mark the 34-year-old’s second UFC main event of the year. In the UFC Vegas 27 headliner, Font outpointed former champ Cody Garbrandt across five rounds.

Prior to that, the Massachusetts native recorded victories over Sergio Pettis, Ricky Simon, and “Magic” Moraes. He’ll be looking to spoil Aldo’s plans and book a title eliminator for himself on Saturday.

Would you like to see the winner of José Aldo vs. Rob Font face TJ Dillashaw next year?

Continue Reading Aldo Targets Dillashaw Clash On Sterling/Yan 2 Undercard In 2022 at MMA News.

José Aldo Blasts Paulo Costa For Recent Weight Cutting Issues

Former UFC featherweight champion José Aldo is aiming at his Brazilian colleague, Paulo Costa following his weight-cutting controversy.

Aldo and other UFC fighters have harshly criticized Costa for his recent debacle ahead of his UFC Vegas 41 main …

Jose Aldo, Paulo Costa

Former UFC featherweight champion José Aldo is aiming at his Brazilian colleague, Paulo Costa following his weight-cutting controversy.

Aldo and other UFC fighters have harshly criticized Costa for his recent debacle ahead of his UFC Vegas 41 main event against Marvin Vettori. Just days ahead of the fight, Costa called for a fight at catchweight instead of the previously scheduled middleweight limit.

Costa went on to lose the fight by a unanimous decision in a potential Fight of the Year candidate against Vettori.

During a recent interview on MMA Fighting’s ‘Trocacao Franca’ podcast, Aldo explained his disappointment in his fellow countryman Costa for the weight debacle.

“‘Dede’ (coach Andre Pederneiras) always told us that losing and winning is part of the fight, but our obligation was to make weight,” Aldo said. “If you don’t make weight, it’s a lack of respect towards your opponent, the promotion, and the fans that are waiting for that. That’s how I was raised, that’s what made me the athlete I am today. To me, it was disrespectful. Even if he’s Brazilian, it could be a friend of mine or anything like that, if you ask me, I’d still say the same thing.”

José Aldo Has Moved To Bantamweight Late In His Career

Aldo’s comments come after UFC president Dana White made it clear that Costa will need to move up to 205 pounds for his foreseeable UFC future.

Aldo, in contrast to fighters such as Costa, has made weight with relative ease for the majority of his career. After losing the title at featherweight, he opted to move down to 135 pounds for another chance to compete for another UFC title.

Aldo will return to face Rob Font at UFC Vegas 44. Costa’s next fight in the UFC Octagon remains uncertain and unscheduled.

What are your thoughts on José Aldo’s criticism of Paulo Costa?

Continue Reading José Aldo Blasts Paulo Costa For Recent Weight Cutting Issues at MMA News.

Jose Aldo Reveals Conor McGregor Sent Him A Gift After UFC 200

Jose AldoJose Aldo has revealed that Conor McGregor sent him a gift in the aftermath of his win over Frankie Edgar at UFC 200 in 2016. ‘Scarface’ and ‘Notorious’ were involved in a bitter build-up to their featherweight title fight at UFC 194. The bout was infamously ended with just one punch by McGregor who has […]

Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo has revealed that Conor McGregor sent him a gift in the aftermath of his win over Frankie Edgar at UFC 200 in 2016.

‘Scarface’ and ‘Notorious’ were involved in a bitter build-up to their featherweight title fight at UFC 194. The bout was infamously ended with just one punch by McGregor who has since gone on to capture another title at lightweight while Aldo has rebuilt his career at 145lbs and more recently at bantamweight.

During a recent appearance on MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca, Aldo revealed how the relationship with McGregor began to heal after UFC 194.

“When I fought Frankie Edgar and won the title again, (McGregor and I) were staying at the same hotel, side by side. He saw me, and even sent a gift congratulating me for the belt I had just won,” Aldo said. “That was intimate, brother. He knows that, he sent it to my room. I see no problem with that. It was a way of trying to show love for me and my family. It was really intimate. It was nice, it was nice. I don’t know what his intentions were, right? But it was nice.”

Jose Aldo & Conor McGregor Will Never Rematch

Aldo is scheduled to face Rob Font in what appears to be a bantamweight title eliminator on December 4. Last time out, the Brazilian was at his brilliant best when he picked up a decision win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 265.

McGregor is currently side-lined due to an injury he suffered in his UFC 264 trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. After a tough first round the former dual-weight UFC champion suffered a nasty leg break that ended the fight. McGregor is expected to return to the Octagon in the summer of 2022 and has been busy on social media during his rehabilitation, calling anyone and everyone ahead of his return.

Do you like to see fighters such as Jose Aldo & Conor McGregor put their rivalry to one side after the fight is done?

Conor McGregor Declares Himself The Best Boxer In The UFC, Agrees To Spar Petr Yan

Conor McGregorSome things are certain in life: death, tax, and Conor McGregor being lured into a Twitter war with a fellow fighter on the UFC roster. Earlier today, the Irish superstar caught himself in a back and forth with Jorge Masvidal and interim bantamweight champion Petr Yan. The verbal exchange with Petr Yan occurred after a […]

Conor McGregor

Some things are certain in life: death, tax, and Conor McGregor being lured into a Twitter war with a fellow fighter on the UFC roster.

Earlier today, the Irish superstar caught himself in a back and forth with Jorge Masvidal and interim bantamweight champion Petr Yan.

The verbal exchange with Petr Yan occurred after a fan posted an image of the top five best boxers in the UFC, which consisted of “The Notorious” being left unsatisfied with his positioning on the list at number three. Conor McGregor took offence to the list while his former foe in Max Holloway took the number two slot, followed by Petr Yan taking pole position. The list also included McGregor’s previous rivals, with Jose Aldo at number four and Nate Diaz in fifth.

Conor McGregor continued to brag that his boxing skills were far superior to anybody’s in the UFC, including the three men he holds victories over on the list. However, the former two-division champion did give his credit to interim champion Petr Yan but believes he’s still nowhere near his level.

I outboxed 3 guys on this list! There’s no one even remotely close to my boxing in the ufc. Even Dustin only got shots off post the leg damage. Everyone has been pucked around by me if we are going off boxing. Yan is good tho, i like his style. I’d rip him up in that shell tho.” McGregor quoted.

It didn’t take long for Petr Yan to bite back and challenge the Irishman, who has been side lined from competition after suffering a freak injury at UFC 264 with his trilogy with Dustin Poirier. Yan confronted the notorious one for being all talk, and threw his name in the mix for a “box or fight”, which Conor McGregor obliged and expressed his interest in hosting the Russian and his team in Ireland for a spar.

Petr Yan Fires Back at Conor McGregor

“Conor, we all know that you like to talk, but let’s get straight to the point if you really want to box or to fight, I don’t care about the weight or the ruleset. I bet you won’t show up @TheNotoriousMMA” Petr Yan responded.

The probability of fans seeing the undisputed former champions clash is very slim. McGregor looks to climb his way back up the ladder in the lightweight division, and Petr Yan is on the hunt to avenge his loss to Aljamain Sterling to solidify himself as the undisputed UFC bantamweight champion of the world. McGregor, on the other hand, may have different ideas.

“Lol, no prob littler. We will set up a spar or something similar in the near future. Will host you and your team in Ireland for one of our shows at Crumlin boxing club. We will figure it out then, kid. God bless ya. @ParimatchGlobal, get this set. McGregor said.

Petr Yan left the verbal Twitter battle with the last word as he questioned McGregor’s gas tank and humorously challenged his inner Irish.

“Maga, we can play if you don’t want to decide matter seriously. Just let me know if you will have enough gas for 12 rounds, kid. Sláinte” Petr Yan closed off with.

With that being said, who is the more technically gifted boxers between the two UFC superstars?