Short notice fights often produce the most memorable moments in MMA history, and fans are about to witness another one when two hungry fighters step into the octagon at Noche UFC. Rob Font vs David Martinez represents a classic veteran vs rising prospect battle that defines the UFC’s appeal. Martinez stepped up when Raul Rosas Jr. pulled out with an injury.
Font sits at #9 in the rankings after working his way back from some tough losses. Meanwhile, Martinez enters as an unranked fighter with everything to gain and nothing to lose. The Mexican fighter has been tearing through competition with his aggressive style, but now he faces his biggest test against a seasoned striker who’s shared the octagon with some of the division’s elite.
Rob Font (22-8) stands at 5’8″ with a 71 inch reach. His striking statistics tell the story of a volume puncher who stays busy throughout fights. Font lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.67. His striking accuracy of 46% might not jump off the page, but his 57% defensive rate shows he’s learned to pick his spots better. His takedown numbers reveal a fighter who prefers to keep fights standing, averaging just 0.79 takedown attempts per fight with 34% accuracy. More importantly, his 42% takedown defense suggests he can be taken down, but his 0.4 submission average shows he rarely threatens with ground submissions.
David Martinez is just 5’5″ with a 67 inch reach. The 27 year old Mexican fighter gives up significant size advantages but makes up for it with relentless pressure and power. His striking numbers are impressive across the board: 5.40 significant strikes per minute with 52% accuracy while only absorbing 2.70 strikes per minute. Martinez’s 67% striking defense shows excellent head movement and defensive awareness. His takedown defense, which sits at a perfect 100% in his UFC career so far. He’s never attempted a takedown in the UFC octagon, showing his commitment to keeping fights standing.
The oddsmakers have made up their mind on this matchup and they are backing the veteran. According to Fanduel, Rob Font is a solid –148 favorite. Meanwhile David Martinez enters as a +132 underdog. Font’s favoritism makes sense given his ranking and experience against elite competition.
The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is lower and the odds (+200) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at -270.
Font’s experience advantage cannot be overstated. He has faced killers like Jose Aldo, Cory Sandhagen, and Marlon Vera throughout his career. That level of competition prepares fighters for moments when fights get tough, and Martinez hasn’t been tested by anyone close to Font’s caliber.
However, Martinez’s speed and power could neutralize Font’s experience edge. The Mexican fighter’s perfect takedown defense means Font will have to win this fight on the feet. This is where Martinez has looked unstoppable so far. Font’s chin has been tested in previous fights, and Martinez has the type of explosive power that can end fights with one clean shot.
If we bet on the fight, we are going with Rob Font to win via unanimous decision.
(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook)
(Image Credit: Steven Bisig – Imagn Images)
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