The build-up to Noche UFC, one of the UFC’s most anticipated cards of the year, has taken an unexpected turn. Rising bantamweight prospect Raul Rosas Jr., who was scheduled for a high-profile bout against veteran striker Rob Font, has been forced to withdraw from the card due to injury. The news surfaced earlier this week, disappointing fans who were eager to see the 19-year-old phenom test himself against one of the division’s most respected names. While the UFC has not yet announced whether Font will remain on the event, speculation has already begun about who could step in as Rosas’ replacement.
Lamentablemente Raul Rosas jr no podrá pelear en #NocheUFC debido a una lesión 😥
Pronta recuperación Raul 🙏💪 pic.twitter.com/vvx9OAdE5w
— MMA Latinoamérica (@ClubDeLasMMA) August 28, 2025
At just 19, Rosas Jr. has captured headlines not only for his age but for his aggressive grappling style and rare poise inside the Octagon. His clash with Rob Font was seen as a major step up in competition—one that could have catapulted the young Mexican-American into the bantamweight rankings. Unfortunately, with Rosas sidelined, the UFC matchmaking machine must quickly work overtime to keep Font on the card.
Rob Font’s Situation and the Stakes at Noche UFC
For Rob Font, the situation is particularly tricky. The veteran, currently ranked inside the bantamweight Top 10, has had a rollercoaster run in recent years. Font’s precise boxing and crisp jab have earned him notable wins over fighters like Marlon Moraes and Cody Garbrandt, but he has also faced setbacks against elite competition such as José Aldo and Cory Sandhagen. At 37, Font knows that every fight counts, especially if he wants to make one last push toward title contention.
SCARY striking display by @RobSFont to finish Marlon Moraes 😱 #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/TI1rqkH9s1
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 20, 2020
Originally, the Rosas matchup provided an intriguing storyline: an established contender against the youngest fighter on the roster in front of a passionate Mexican fanbase during a marquee card celebrating Mexican Independence Day. Font saw the fight as an opportunity to reassert himself against a hyped newcomer, while Rosas viewed it as his breakout moment. Now the UFC faces the challenge of finding someone who can preserve the intrigue and momentum that this fight carried.
Time is short, and with Noche UFC just weeks away, a replacement would have to be both willing and ready. The UFC tends to prefer fighters who are either already in camp or those who can safely make the 135-pound limit on short notice. Let’s take a look at potential replacement options who could step up against Rob Font.
Potential Replacement Opponents for Rob Font
Jonathan Martinez
Currently riding momentum in the division, Jonathan Martinez is another intriguing possibility. Known for his devastating leg kicks and technical striking, Martinez has been steadily climbing the bantamweight ladder. While not as box-office flashy as Rosas Jr., Martinez offers a stylistic chess match with Font that hardcore fans would deeply appreciate. Moreover, if Martinez is in shape, he presents a credible ranked opponent that would preserve Font’s relevance in the division.
Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo could be a great replacement for Rob Font at Noche UFC because of his championship pedigree, name value, and ability to draw attention. A former double champ, Cejudo’s return against Font would generate major buzz, elevate the event’s profile, and test Font against elite competition.
For Raul Rosas Jr., this injury represents a setback in momentum but not necessarily a derailment of his promising career. At 19, time is very much on his side. Fighters at his age often benefit from additional seasoning, and the sidelining might ultimately serve as an opportunity to refine skills and fully recover before re-entering the Octagon. The fact that he was booked against a veteran like Font underscores how highly the UFC values him, and once healed, Rosas will undoubtedly find himself back in high-profile matchups.
As for the bantamweight division, this change underscores the constant state of flux at 135 pounds. With rising prospects, aging contenders, and a crowded ranking system, every cancellation or injury reshapes the pecking order. If Font receives a replacement opponent, the fight could have important implications for whether he remains a serious factor in the title picture or begins sliding into a gatekeeping role.
The UFC has a history of salvaging fights on short notice with creative matchmaking, and all eyes are now on how the promotion navigates this setback. While losing Rosas Jr. from Noche UFC is a disappointment, the card still boasts high-stakes matchups celebrating Mexican combat sports culture. Rob Font’s ability to stay on the card hinges on whether a willing opponent steps forward in the next few days.
One thing is certain: the bantamweight division never lacks for storylines, and no matter who Font faces, the fight will carry significance for both his career trajectory and the future of the ever-competitive 135-pound weight class.
