Martinez’s Late Knockdown Sealed a Breakthrough Against Rob
David Martinez defeated Rob Font by unanimous decision on September 13, 2025, at Noche UFC in San Antonio. All three judges scored the bantamweight co-main event 29–28 after Martinez’s speed and late knockdown helped him overcome the veteran’s persistent pressure.
A replacement assignment became a major opportunity
Martinez had originally been scheduled to face Quang Le before Raul Rosas Jr. withdrew from the Font matchup through injury. The change moved him into a higher-profile contest against an established contender.
Font advanced behind his jab and straight punches. Martinez answered with kicks to the lead leg and combinations, while defending the veteran’s attempts to add takedowns to the exchanges.
Neither fighter accepted an easy retreat
Font continued moving forward in the second, forcing Martinez to combine offense with evasive movement. Martinez landed a left hook that briefly disrupted Font’s balance, but could not stop the pressure completely.
The third brought more exchanges in the center. Martinez maintained his output and continued responding even when Font connected, keeping the contest competitive through the final minute.
A closing knockdown strengthened the winning case
Martinez hurt Font late and dropped him in the final seconds. The crowd’s reaction was so loud that the closing horn was difficult to hear inside the arena.
The unanimous verdict gave Martinez a second UFC victory after his March debut knockout. What began as a reshuffled matchup ended as a breakthrough result, with the younger fighter’s speed and finishing-round accuracy carrying him past a demanding veteran opponent.
Sources
- Cageside Press: pressure, late knockdown and second UFC victory
- UFC: Rosas injury and replacement changes
- UFC: date and official scores
