Adrian Yanez dismisses claims that Rob Font is finished, describing him as “far from done” as they prepare to face off at UFC 287.
Adrian Yanez is preparing for the biggest test of his career as he takes on Rob Font at UFC 287, scheduled for April 8 in an unannounced location and venue. Yanez, 29, has admired Font for years and does not believe Font’s recent losses to José Aldo and Marlon Vera diminish his abilities. Despite some people believing that Yanez has the advantage due to Font being on a two-fight losing streak, Yanez insists that Font is far from finished, saying, “He was super competitive, and looked super good against Vera, and if he had kept up that pace, and Vera didn’t land those big shots, he probably would’ve won.”
Yanez, a Texas native, had hoped to compete at the UFC’s return to San Antonio on March 25, but ultimately understood the value of facing Font to move up in competition. “It’s a big name, it’s a bummer it won’t be in San Antonio, but it’s still Rob Font,” Yanez explained. “This is one of those big fights for me, and I’m here for it because, it’s like that old saying, keep climbing until your idols become your rivals.” Yanez has enjoyed watching Font’s fighting style and views their matchup as a cool moment for him.
Entering the fight on a nine-fight win streak, Yanez is pleased that the UFC sees something special in him, considering the bantamweight division is one of the most competitive and talent-rich in the sport. While the fight against Font is significant, he is not putting any additional pressure on himself. Yanez said, “If I pass this test, what’s next for me? If I go out there and just starch Rob Font, that’s just going to mean big things for me.” He believes that even if he has a close fight with Font, it’s still a win, as he would have given a good show against a top-six contender.