MMA Preview – Rob Font vs Marlon Vera at UFC on ESPN 35
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
ROB FONT VS MARLON VERA FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 35? Saturday 30th April, 2022 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 35? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 35? Click here for the tickets at the O2 Arena
What channel is UFC on ESPN 35 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 35? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ROB FONT VS MARLON VERA LOWDOWN
Rob Font (19-5) stormed his way up the rankings after his unanimous decision loss to Raphael Assuncao back in 2018. He proceeded to earn unanimous decisions over Sergio Pettis (2018) and Ricky Simon (2019) before earning a ‘Performance of the Night’ when he knocked out Marlon Moraes (2020) in the first round. He then racked up another win over a former star who has fallen from grace in Cody Garbrandt (2021) earning a unanimous decision. However, his momentum was stopped in its tracks by a legend getting outclassed by Jose Aldo (2021) in another unanimous decision.
Marlon Vera (18-7-1) also got outclassed by the King of Rio in 2020 after his high-profile win over Sean O’Malley the same year. That was his second loss in three fights after his controversial unanimous decision loss to Song Yadong three months prior. However, he is back on the march after coming out on top in a ‘Fight of the Night’ with Davey Grant (2021) swaying all three judges and his brilliant front kick knockout over Frankie Edgar (2021).
ROB FONT VS MARLON VERA PREDICTION
This is a fantastic main event between the #5 and #8 ranked bantamweights. They are both incredibly skilled and well rounded. Font is a better wrestler and Vera has the better jiu-jitsu which could force a stand-up battle for five rounds or until someone falls.
This will be a very high-level and fast-paced fight but a very strategic one. Font will be more conventional relying on his boxing and in particular his jab. Vera will expend more energy in his strikes and will target the legs with kicks.
Font will be ready to time his jab when Vera kicks and no doubt Vera will have combinations planned and try and break into the pocket to land heavy knees and elbows. Whoever adapts the best will be able to finish stronger and the fact that Font has gone five rounds in his last two fights whereas Vera has never gone the full 25, give him a slight edge.
That said, we have not seen much to suggest Vera will slow down after the third round so we are expecting an epic battle with a ton of output thrown from both sides. We are leaning towards a Font decision with his jab keeping Vera at bay long enough to frustrate the Ecuadorian into throwing wild strikes draining his gas tank and leaving himself open to counters.
Prediction: Font via Decision
Prediction: Vera via Decision
