The final UFC event for May occurs on Saturday from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas when former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt takes on Rob Font.
Garbrandt steps back into the Octagon for the first time in over 11 months. After a one-punch knockout of Raphael Assuncao at UFC 250, Garbrandt was set to drop down to flyweight and challenge champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255. Then Garbrandt's health went into a downward spiral.
Garbrandt contracted COVID, had three blood clots in his right arm caused by a ruptured vein and a bad case of vertigo. The situation left Garbrandt no choice but to pull out of the fight. The native of Ohio feels a win over Font puts him in a prime position to still get a crack at the flyweight title against the winner of Figueiredo-Brandon Moreno rematch at UFC 263.
"I think so," Garbrandt told DAZN News earlier in the week. "It's something I go and do. If I come off two big knockout wins against guys that are in the top five in the division up above that, and I'm a former world champion that's paid his dues in the UFC. I was granted the title shot. I think I bring a lot of eyes to the flyweight division. That's if Figgy gets past him. I want to fight Figgy. I think that Figgy will win. I'm excited for that fight. First and foremost, I'm focused on Rob, and I got to go out there and do what I do. I'm just excited to fight. I can't wait to get my hands on this dude and get him hurt and take him out."
Font is 8-3 in the UFC and a winner of four of his last five to vault to No. 3 in the bantamweight division. He last fought in December, starching former 135-pound title challenger Marlon Moraes in under four minutes.
The winner can make the case to face champion Aljamain Sterling when he comes back from injury.
Here is everything you need to know about UFC Fight Night: Cody Garbrandt vs. Rob Font.
UFC Fight Night: Garbrandt vs. Font start time
- Date: Saturday, May 22
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET/Midnight BST
- Main event: 9:15 p.m. ET/2:15 a.m. BST
UFC Fight Night: Garbrandt vs. Font takes place on Saturday night with the prelims launching at 4 p.m. ET/9 p.m. BST and the main card kicking off at 7 p.m. ET. That spells a Midnight start for the UK. Garbrandt and Font should make their walks to the Octagon at approximately 9:15 p.m., although that depends on the lengths of the previous bouts.
UFC Fight Night: Garbrandt vs. Font TV channel and live stream
- U.S. : ESPN+
- U.K.: BT Sport 1
In the United States, the UFC Fight Night: Garbrandt vs. Font prelims can be seen via live stream on ESPN+. The main card is availale via live stream on ESPN+.
In the U.K., the event can be seen on BT Sport 1.
More details about how to watch in other countries can be found at UFC.com .
Where is UFC Fight Night: Garbrandt vs. Font?
Garbrandt vs. Font will be held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Garbrandt and Font compete at the venue for the second time.
UFC Fight Night: Garbrandt vs. Font fight odds
Bet MGM (as of May 20) has tabbed Font as the small favorite at -120, meaning a $120 bet will land you $100. Garbrandt is listed as a +100 underdog, signaling that a $100 bet would net $100 if he's victorious Saturday night.
Cody Garbrandt record and bio
- Nationality : American
- Born : July 7, 1991
- Height : 5-7
- Reach : 65.5 inches
- Total fights : 15
- Record : 12-3
Rob Font record and bio
- Nationality : American
- Born : June 25, 1987
- Height : 5-8
- Reach : 71.5 inches
- Total fights : 22
- Record : 18-4
UFC Fight Night: Garbrandt vs. Font card
Main card
- Rob Font vs. Cody Garbrandt; Bantamweight
- Yan Xiaonan vs. Carla Esparza; Women's Strawweight
- Justin Tafa vs. Jared Vanderaa; Heavyweight
- Felicia Spencer vs. Norma Dumont Viana; Women's Featherweight
- Ricardo Ramos vs. Bill Algeo; Featherweight
- Jack Hermansson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan; Middleweight
Preliminary card
- David Dvořák vs. Raulian Paiva; Flyweight
- Ben Rothwell vs. Chris Barnett; Heavyweight
- Court McGee vs. Cláudio Silva; Welterweight
- Bruno Gustavo da Silva vs. Victor Rodriguez; Flyweight
- Josh Culibao vs. Sha Yilan; Featherweight
- Damir Hadžović vs. Yancy Medeiros; Lightweight
- Rafael Alves vs. Damir Ismagulov; Lightweight