UFC Seattle: Rob Font vs. Jean Matsumoto: Live round-by-round updates

A catchweight bout between Rob Font and Jean Matsumoto will go down later this evening (Feb. 22) on the main card of UFC Seattle at the Climate Pledge Arena.

While Font (21-8) has been a mainstay in the UFC bantamweight division for long, he is currently at a low point in his career. The 37-year-old is 2-3 in his last five. A win this weekend might be necessary for the American to justify his place in the top 10 of the division.

Matsumoto (16-0) is one of the most promising newcomers in the promotion. The Dana White's Contender Series alumnus is 2-0 in the UFC, most recently beating Brad Katona via unanimous decision. A win over Font could help the Brazilian break into the rankings.

Matsumoto will enter the fight as a -166 favorite over Font, a +140 underdog. The main card of the event is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.

Check out the full fight card below:

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UFC Seattle: Rob Font vs. Jean Matsumoto

Round 1

Right off the bell, Font bursts forward with a flurry. The commentary team accuses Font of a cheap shot, for trying to punch his opponent during a glove touch. An overwhelmed Matsumoto ties his opponent up. Font stings his opponent with a 1-2 on the break.

Matsumoto forces a level change and Font tries to lock in an armbar unsuccessfully. The youngster has his opponent flattened on his back. As Font tries to get back up his opponent locks in a guillotine but fails to secure the right angle for it to be effective.

As the veteran makes his way back to his feet, Matsumoto picks up and slams him back to the ground.

Our score: 10-9 Matsumoto, 10-9 Matsumoto overall.

Round 2

The 25-year-old uses low kicks to halt his opponent's boxing. As Matsumoto changes level Font locks in a guillotine. However, his opponent quickly slips out of it. After continued efforts, the UFC veteran ultimately makes his way back to his feet.

Font employs body punches and it seems to be taking the wind out of his opponent. The Brazilian once again picks his opponent up and slams him on the canvas.

As Font gets back up, he once again gets slammed to the ground. As they make their way back to the feet, Matsumoto stings his opponent with a high kick.

Our score: 10-9 Matsumoto, 20-18 Matsumoto overall

Round 3

Font is going all out. He is connecting on the feet. An elbow by the American cuts open Matsumoto's forehead. The 25-year-old tries for a level change, but Font defends it.

A powerful uppercut lands for the veteran. Matsumoto is still employing leg kicks to slow his opponent down. Knee strikes followed by an elbow lands for Font in the clinch.

Blood is gushing out of Mastumodo and Font trying to rally for a finish. Both fighters are laying it all in the octagon, as they go toe-to-toe in the dying seconds of the round. What a fight.

Our sore: 10-9 Font, 29-28 Matsumoto overall.

Official decision: Rob Font def. Jean Matsumoto via split decision. (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Check out the closing sequence of the fight below: