Rob Font Breaks Silence on UFC’s Surprising First Pick for His Seattle Replacement Fight: "We said yes"

Rob Font is set to return to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 252 on February 22, 2025, in Seattle. Originally scheduled to fight former champion Dominick Cruz, Font was left without an opponent after Cruz withdrew due to a shoulder injury and later announced his retirement. After several replacement options, the UFC finalized Jean Matsumoto as Font’s new challenger in a 140-pound catchweight bout.

Rob Font is prepared to fight Jean Matsumoto

Despite the change in opponents, Font remains determined to prove himself in what he calls the toughest division in the sport.

“This division is the toughest division out there, It’s the most exciting division. There are so many studs in this division. I’m just interested in seeing how this all shakes out. I figured fighting a guy like Cruz would help me get back into that mix a little earlier or a little sooner, but it is what it is. Obviously, there’s a lot of risks to fight Matsumoto in this fight. That probably won’t do much for me in terms of moving me up when I win. But I’m just here to fight and I’m here to challenge myself. I think this fight alone is going to bring a lot out of me.” Font on facing Matsumoto.

Font was initially offered rising prospect Raul Rosas Jr., a fight he immediately accepted. However, for unknown reasons, the bout never materialized. Chris Gutierrez then expressed interest, but the UFC ultimately decided on Matsumoto.

“They initially offered (Raul) Rosas Jr.,” Font told reporters. “They offered him and I’m not sure what happened. We said yes. I’m not sure what happened. But the fight didn’t happen. Then, Chris Gutierrez threw his name into the mix. I don’t think the UFC liked that idea at first. Then they were like, ‘Let’s throw Matsumoto in,’ and we accepted. We sat down and watched his tape and all that and figured out this is a dangerous guy, but it’s a good matchup.”

Matsumoto, 25 years old and undefeated at 16-0, is stepping in on short notice but brings serious momentum. The Brazilian fighter won his first two UFC bouts last year, defeating Dan Argueta by submission and Brad Katona by unanimous decision. Originally set to compete at UFC 313, Matsumoto now has a chance to make a name for himself against a ranked opponent.

Font, ranked No. 9 in the bantamweight division, is looking to build on his recent victory over Kyler Phillips after suffering losses to Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. While a win over Matsumoto may not immediately move him up the rankings, Font remains focused on the challenge ahead.

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This fight presents a classic veteran vs. prospect matchup with high stakes for both fighters. If Font wins, he cements his place among the division’s elite. If Matsumoto pulls off the upset, he instantly becomes a serious contender in the bantamweight division.

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