Rob Font (18-4) and Cody Garbrandt (12-3) meet in a clash that will shake up the bantamweight rankings on Saturday, May 22. We have the betting odds and preview you need to be the big winner on fight night.

Font has momentum on his side

Font is closing in on a title shot at bantamweight and may very well get one if he can get past Garbrandt. In his last fight, Font beat Marlon Moraes in one round and is on a three-fight win streak.

What Font brings to the octagon is a serviceable chin and a pronounced advantage in reach. While older than Garbrandt, he hasn’t been involved in as many grueling fights in his career, and is on the upswing.

Garbrandt is dealing with injuries

Garbrandt was able to finally turn his fortunes around after going winless in three years when he stopped Raphael Assuncao at UFC 250. A nasty bout with COVID-19 kept Garbrandt out of competition beyond that, and he’s been dealing with a series of injuries over the course of the past few years.

After snapping a three-fight skid, Garbrandt hopes his explosive striking and conditioning hasn’t been affected by his health issues. Though his bread and butter is his wanton striking, he was stopped early in each of his previous losses.

Font’s physical advantages will overcome Garbrandt’s experience

Garbrandt at 100% is far better than Font’s previous opponents, but questions linger about his status. Considering Font’s reach and an active striking style, Garbrandt’s chin is sure to get tested early.

Font needs to utilize that reach to frustrate Garbrandt into taking chances. The minute this becomes a close quarters fight, Garbrandt could piece him up badly and overwhelm him. If this becomes a methodical bout, the slow pacing certainly favors the longer reach and sturdier chin of Font.

Ultimately, Garbrandt won’t be able to help himself, and is going to take the initiative once he struggles to bypass Font’s reach. By then Font will have established his rhythm, and because this will be a striking contest the whole way through, he’s going to tag an overeager Garbrandt with a huge shot and pound him out on the mat. Expect Font to win by stoppage in the second round.

MMA pick: Font