Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at The Ultimate Fighter 24 contestant Matt Schnell as he makes his UFC debut at bantamweight against Rob Font at The Ultimate 24 Finale in Las Vegas, Nevada. Matt “Danger” Schnell Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana Age: 26 Height: 5’8” Reach: 72.5” Weight Class: Bantamweight Camp: American Top Team Career Record: 10-2 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The former Legacy FC Flyweight Champion, Matt Schnell has had a solid start to his professional career. He’s certainly a finisher with 11 of his 12 career bouts ending inside the distance. Strengths
- Good all around speed
- Strikes in combination
- Does a good job focusing in on his opponent’s lead leg
- Crafty submission game
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t have one punch knockout power
- Takedown defense is a question mark
- Too willing to go for guillotines that ultimately result in him being on his back
Matchup against Rob Font A solid bantamweight matchup at the TUF 24 Finale sees Rob Font introduce Matt Schnell into the UFC. Despite fighting traditionally at flyweight, Schnell very much physically can compete at bantamweight. Both Font and Schnell stand at 5’8” with Schnell holding a one inch reach advantage. On the feet, both fighters are comfortable and have above average output. Schnell lands better in combination, while Font has much more power in his hands and that’s the biggest difference in this fight. The output could be fairly similar in this bout, but Font’s ability to land heavier strikes gives him the edge in this bout. It’s unlikely there will be much grappling in this bout. Schnell has a good submission game, particularly off his back, but Font is not the type of fighter who will be seeking takedowns nor is likely to be taken down in this bout. I expect this is a fight that will make it to the scorecards and for Font to get his hand raised. This should be a competitive fight, but Font’s striking acumen and overall power advantage will be the difference. Font by Decision (+236) is the most intriguing option for this fight given Schnell’s toughness and ability to move out of range. I do favor Font in this matchup, but not nearly enough to bet him straight as a 2.5 to 1 favorite. If the line on Schnell gets up above +250, then I would consider a bet on the underdog given that Font shouldn’t be more than a -200 favorite in this bout. UFC Ceiling Matt Schnell is taking this fight at bantamweight, but once he moves back to his natural weight class at flyweight he has the ability to have a solid career in the UFC. He’s got good footwork, strikes well in combination, and has an underrated submission game. I expect him to be able to hold his own staking a claim right around the middle of the division. Developing better takedown defense and more fight ending power could see him potentially challenge for a spot in the division’s top 15. Fight Film Check out Matt Schnell in some of his most recent fights: Matt Schnell vs. Vanderlei Leite Matt Schnell vs. Klayton Mai