LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 04: (R-L) Jose Aldo of Brazil punches Rob Font in their bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 04, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Perhaps it’s because I’m such a big fan of Roberto Duran’s late-career win over Iran Barkley, but Aldo’s post-prime performance opposite Rob Font ranks this high on my list.
Font was a big and dangerous bantamweight who was riding a four-fight winning streak at the time, while Aldo was an aging veteran tasked with yet another five-round affair.
Aldo’s pacing and stamina had already been brought into question in previous bouts, making Font’s striking volume a real threat. However, despite technically being outstruck 149 to 86, according to the stats, Aldo clearly landed the more impactful strikes in every round (proving how silly significant strike stats can be in the grand scheme of things).
Akin to the previously mentioned Duran, Aldo’s experience and fight IQ helped him pull out power shots and counter Font’s lead hand throughout the fight. As Ocelot MMA perfectly puts it below, this is one of the best post-prime wins in MMA.
4 December 2021
Aldo defeats Rob Font via UD over five rounds.
Font fought very well, but he could not stop or handle the power of Aldo.
One of the best post-prime wins in MMA. pic.twitter.com/9YyfVIC99E
— Ocelot MMA (@Ocelot_MMA) August 16, 2022
