UFC on ESPN 35: Marlon Vera vs Rob Font Picks, Predictions, Odds

Rob Font and Marlon Vera fight Saturday in UFC on ESPN 35 at the UFC Apex. Font enters this fight with a 19-5 record and has won 42 percent of his fights by knockout. Vera enters this fight with a 18-7-1 record and is winning 44 percent of his fights by submission.

Font has won five of his last seven fights and is coming off a December loss to José Aldo. Font is averaging 5.64 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy percentage of 44 percent. Font is averaging 1.10 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 36 percent. Font is coming off a decision loss at UFC on ESPN 31 where he landed 193 total strikes and produced one takedown. Font landed far more shots in the disappointing loss, but he now hopes to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in his career. Font is a quality stand-up striker who has one punch knockout potential, but five of his last six fights have been decisions. Font uses his legs well and is effective in the clinch, where he’ll mix in a hard knee and has gotten a finish or two in that position. Font has four submission victories, so his ground game is probably a little underrated, but he’s at his best standing up and doesn’t have a ton of success with his takedown attempts. This will be Font’s eighth career fight in Nevada.

Vera has won eight of his last 10 fights and is coming off a November win over Frankie Edgar. Vera is averaging 4.08 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 51 percent. He is averaging 0.82 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 42 percent. Vera is coming off a knockout win at UFC 268 that earned performance of the night. Vera has earned performance bonuses in back-to-back fights and looks for three straight wins for the first time since 2019. Vera is an athletic, jumpy fighter who is tough to get comfortable against on the feet, and he throws compact strikes with pop behind them. Vera is a black belt in BJJ, and he’s never been finished in his career, despite seven losses. An exciting fighter who is tough to finish, Vera gives himself a chance to win every time he steps in the octagon. This will be Vera’s fifth career fight in Nevada.

This is a toss up main event, and you can make a case for either side. Vera can hold his own on the feet, and he’s a tricky striker due to his ability to switch stances, and he’s far more accurate. With that said, Font is a grizzly veteran who is tough to bet against with cheap prices, as he’s tough as nails and usually has the edge when he’s able to get the style fight he wants. Vera isn’t much of a takedown threat to give Font any issues.

Give me Font to win this fight.