Countdown of the best UFC and PFL fights of the week: #4-5

5. Rob Font vs. Kyler Phillips

Despite his poor recent record, Rob Font has been a top bantamweight for years, but at 37 years old his time at the top may be coming to an end. His fall in the rankings due to a 1-4 record was mitigated by the quality competition he faced, his brilliant knockout of Adrian Yanez, and the fact that he had competitive fights with that competition other than Cory Sandhagen.

Even when Yanez jabbed and countered, Font didn't let up his jab.

He used it to measure distance, interrupt Yanez's resets and combos, start any of his own combos, and interrupt any exchanges.

And of course that is what defines the goal. pic.twitter.com/pQS7So9QCB

— Miguel Class (@MigClass) April 11, 2023

However, Kyler Phillips is a fighter who has always been an extremely talented natural. Now that he is at an age that is usually suitable for fighters, we expect him to fulfill the potential he showed in 2021 when he defeated Song Yadong.

But against a fighter like Rob Font, knocking him down is proven to be the best way to go, and Phillips is a lightning-fast, strong ground-pound grappler with a litany of submissions in his back pocket. Font won't make it easy though, the fights will be intense and whenever this fight gets going he'll be picking up the pace against Kyler, who has been known to slow down late in tough fights.

Kyler Phillips kneed Rojo in the clinch and then did a twisted foot swing as Rojo tried to land his own knee. pic.twitter.com/u5IRhG3jJS

— Miguel Class (@MigClass) October 14, 2024

I expect Rob will undergo more chin checks as he gets older. He's always been prone to being dropped, his toughness alone has allowed him to stay in fights and get a decision, but at this point Phillips by knockout or club-and-sub are my predictions.

Returning to the octagon tomorrow is Kyler Phillips, one of my favorite bantamweight fighters, versatile, fast, super technical and super fun to watch. #UFCVegas99 pic.twitter.com/GowyiswrEU

– Haduucken (@Haduuuucken) October 18, 2024

4. Su Mudaerji vs. Charles Johnson

It took Charles Johnson some time to find his footing in the UFC, but now the former LFA flyweight world champion looks very much like being one of the best flyweights in the world.

At the beginning of his winning streak, he demonstrated a top-class defensive duel against the previously unbeaten Kazakh Azat Maksum and even defeated the dominant wrestler twice himself. When he then scored big victories against the tricky strikers Jake Hadley and Joshua Van, it became clear to everyone that Charles was a threat to can represent the top flyweights.

Returning to the octagon tomorrow is Kyler Phillips, one of my favorite bantamweight fighters, versatile, fast, super technical and super fun to watch. #UFCVegas99 pic.twitter.com/GowyiswrEU

– Haduucken (@Haduuuucken) October 18, 2024

On his way there is former 125 player Sumudaerji, also a batting expert. Even when Charles himself takes part in wrestling, he often beats his opponents where they are strongest. Therefore, I expect the main fight of UFC Vegas 99 on Saturday evening to be a high-level duel, with a high pace and a lot of action.

Returning to the octagon tomorrow is Kyler Phillips, one of my favorite bantamweight fighters, versatile, fast, super technical and super fun to watch. #UFCVegas99 pic.twitter.com/GowyiswrEU

– Haduucken (@Haduuuucken) October 18, 2024