5 potential opponents for Adrian Yanez following his latest UFC win

#2. Adrian Yanez vs. Rob Font

Rob Font would be a huge step up in competition for Adrian Yanez

If the UFC’s matchmakers believe that Adrian Yanez is ready for a huge step up, they could do a lot worse than matching him with the No.7-ranked Rob Font.

Font is currently on a two-fight losing streak after dropping decisions to Jose Aldo and Marlon Vera. However, there’s no disputing that the fighter from Boston is a genuine elite-level 135lber right now.

Prior to those losses, he’d reeled off four wins in a row, including big victories over Cody Garbrandt, Marlon Moraes and Ricky Simon. He looked very much like a title contender.

Overall, Font could prove to be a tricky match for Yanez. He’s got a slight height and reach advantage over the prospect, and more to the point, he’s proven that he knows how to use his physical tools perfectly.

Adding to this, Font has never been knocked out in the octagon, and it’s hard to recall him really being badly hurt by strikes.

However, if Yanez could get his explosive striking game going, based on what we’ve seen of him thus far, he could well pull off what would be a huge result. This would definitely elevate him into the upper echelon of the division.

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#1. Adrian Yanez vs. Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar might be past his prime, but he could be an excellent opponent for Adrian Yanez

While they’ve often come under criticism for such practices, over the years the UFC have always built the careers of their hottest prospects on the back of victories over ageing legends. With that in mind, the perfect opponent for Adrian Yanez could be former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar.

‘The Answer’ remains ranked just outside the top ten at 135lbs at No.11, but he’s definitely fallen on hard times as of late. His last two fights have seen him violently knocked out by Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Vera, and in fact he’s won just one of his last five bouts.

He’d still be the most dangerous and experienced opponent that Yanez has ever faced. However, given the deterioration of his chin, as well as the natural slowdown he’s currently experiencing as he moves into his 40s, it’s fair to say Edgar probably wouldn’t be favored in this clash.

However, that’s no reason for the UFC not to book it. Edgar probably needs a slight step down the ladder at this stage. While it seems almost cruel to match him against the fighter who is probably the division’s best prospect, it’s something the UFC has always done.

At the end of the day, Yanez is the future of the bantamweight division. ‘The Answer’ still holds enough name value to make him an excellent win for the prospect, making this the perfect fight for him.