Mario Bautista Targets Rob Font Following UFC Fight Night 234 Triumph

Mario Bautista has his sights set on Rob Font as he looks to make his way through the bantamweight rankings by the end of the year.

Bautista put on a masterclass against veteran Ricky Simon to earn a unanimous decision win at UFC Fight Night 234 on Saturday. Aftering extending his winning streak to six, Bautista called out Font in his post-fight interview.

“Six in a row, hopefully get the Top 15 and the Top 10 next,” Bautista said. “I think if Rob Font wants to prove himself and see if he belongs in that Top 10, we can figure it out.”

Bautista subsequently explained his callout of Font, also laying out his plans for the year.

“He’s lost in some certain ways,” Bautista said. “Whatever way the water flows easiest [is how I’ll win]… I would say around springtime, [I want to return]. The way I planned it out is Top 15, Top 10 and Top five at the end of the year [for my next opponents].”

Font is 1-4 in his last five Octagon appearances and is coming off consecutive losses against Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. While Font’s availability might be a serious concern, Bautista hasn’t given it much thought.

“I haven’t really looked at anyone. Nothing that would make sense,” he said. “I think everyone else is kind of booked so that’s why I figured Font.”