The Rise of Dominick Reyes – A New Hope in the UFC Light Heavyweight Division
Dominick Reyes, aptly nicknamed “The Devastator,” burst onto the UFC scene with a mix of knockout power, athleticism, and unshakable confidence. Born on December 26, 1989, in Hesperia, California, Reyes did not take the traditional route into MMA. Instead of starting in wrestling or jiu-jitsu like many of his peers, Reyes excelled as a collegiate football player before transitioning into mixed martial arts. This unique background provided him with explosive athleticism and movement that set him apart from others in the light heavyweight division.
Reyes first gained widespread recognition in the UFC with his powerful southpaw striking, particularly his left hand and body kicks. His early wins came devastatingly, finishing seasoned opponents with ease. By 2019, he had strung together a series of victories that catapulted him into title contention. Fans and pundits alike saw in Reyes a potential heir to the light heavyweight throne, long dominated by legends like Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier.
From the Gridiron to the Octagon – Reyes’ Unconventional Path to MMA
Dominick Reyes‘ journey to becoming a top UFC contender didn’t start in a dojo—it started on a football field. He was a standout defensive back at Stony Brook University, where he earned All-American honors. However, his dreams of playing in the NFL were dashed when he went undrafted and failed to secure a roster spot after multiple attempts.
Rather than letting disappointment define him, Reyes turned to martial arts. Inspired by his brother and driven by the same competitive fire that fueled his football career, he began training in kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His natural athletic gifts and intense discipline allowed him to rise quickly through the regional MMA circuit. After amassing an undefeated record, he caught the attention of UFC scouts and made his promotional debut in 2017.
The UFC Debut and Meteoric Rise
Early UFC Success
Dominick Reyes made an emphatic UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 112, where he faced Joachim Christensen. Reyes stunned fans by securing a first-round TKO, a pattern that would become familiar in his early UFC tenure. Following that, he dismantled Jeremy Kimball and Jared Cannonier—now a top contender at middleweight—with surgical precision.
Reyes showed not just knockout power, but also a high fight IQ. He picked his shots wisely, kept his composure under pressure, and utilized his reach to frustrate opponents. It became clear that the UFC had a rising star in its ranks.
Victories Over Top Contenders
The win that truly put Reyes on the map came against Ovince Saint Preux (OSP) at UFC 229. OSP was a seasoned veteran, known for his unpredictability and awkward style. Reyes dominated him over three rounds, showcasing his cardio and technical striking. Though the fight went to decision, it demonstrated Reyes’ ability to compete at the elite level.
His next bout against former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir was a razor-thin decision, but it nonetheless extended Reyes’ unbeaten record and set the stage for his most high-profile fight yet—against Chris Weidman, a former UFC Middleweight Champion. Reyes wasted no time, finishing Weidman in the first round via TKO, and earning a title shot in the process.
A Championship Opportunity – Jon Jones vs Dominick Reyes
The Fight That Could Have Changed Everything
In February 2020, Dominick Reyes stepped into the Octagon to face Jon “Bones” Jones, arguably the greatest light heavyweight of all time, at UFC 247. Many viewed Jones as nearly unbeatable, but Reyes came closer than anyone had in years to dethroning the champ.
Reyes took the fight to Jones in the early rounds, using a mix of body kicks, combinations, and footwork to keep the champion on the back foot. By the time the final bell rang, many fans and analysts believed Reyes had done enough to win the belt. However, the judges awarded the decision to Jones, sparking a massive debate across the MMA world.
Although the result went against him, Reyes’ stock skyrocketed. He had shown that he could compete with—and arguably beat—one of the greatest to ever do it.
The Downward Spiral – Losses and Setbacks
Jan Blachowicz Ends the Dream
Reyes’ next chance to claim the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight title came against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 253. With Jon Jones vacating the belt, Reyes was the favorite heading into the bout. However, the fight did not go as planned. Blachowicz showcased his trademark “Polish Power” and finished Reyes in the second round with a brutal body kick followed by punches.
The loss marked a critical turning point. Reyes had gone from nearly beating Jones to being stopped decisively. Questions arose about his chin, his recovery, and whether the fight with Jones had taken too much out of him both mentally and physically.
Jiri Procházka – A Violent War Ends in Defeat
In May 2021, Reyes returned to face rising Czech star Jiri Procházka in what would become one of the most memorable fights of the year. The two warriors engaged in a violent slugfest, with each man landing bombs and absorbing punishment. Ultimately, it was Procházka who landed a devastating spinning elbow, knocking Reyes out cold.
Despite the loss, Reyes earned respect for his heart and willingness to engage in a war. However, the brutal nature of the defeat raised concerns about his long-term health and ability to bounce back.
A Struggle for Redemption – Can Reyes Reclaim His Place?
Dominick Reyes’ journey since the Jon Jones fight has been a difficult one. A string of knockout losses placed him in a precarious position in the UFC. After years of rising momentum, he now finds himself needing to rebuild not only his reputation but also his fighting confidence.
Injuries, time away from the Octagon, and the mental toll of consecutive defeats have made the road back steeper. Yet, Reyes remains undeterred. In interviews, he has expressed a renewed focus on fundamentals, health, and a smarter approach to training. He’s revamped his camp, taken time to recover properly, and remains motivated to chase UFC gold.
Fighting Style and Strengths – What Makes Reyes “The Devastator”?
Southpaw Power and Movement
One of Reyes’ most distinct advantages is his southpaw stance, which gives orthodox fighters trouble. His powerful left hand and lightning-quick head kicks have ended multiple fights in spectacular fashion.
His football background also gives him superior agility and balance for a light heavyweight. Reyes moves like a much lighter fighter, using lateral movement and angles to create openings for strikes.
Cardio and Volume Striking
In addition to his power, Reyes possesses excellent cardio and striking volume. He keeps a high pace and uses long combinations, especially body kicks and straight punches. He doesn’t rely on a single punch but rather overwhelms opponents with variety and aggression.
What Lies Ahead – The Future of Dominick Reyes in the UFC
Dominick Reyes is still only in his mid-30s—young by UFC light heavyweight standards. With proper recovery and a strategic fight selection, he could very well work his way back into the title conversation.
Potential fights against other ranked contenders—such as Aleksandar Rakić, Johnny Walker, or Anthony Smith—could offer Reyes the chance to prove he’s still a threat in the division. With a few solid wins, the door to title contention could reopen.
More importantly, Reyes must re-establish his identity as a fighter. The “Devastator” needs to return not just in name, but in performance—measured aggression, smart striking, and resilience.
Conclusion
Dominick Reyes’ story is one of talent, resilience, and unfinished business. From his football roots to nearly defeating Jon Jones, his career has been filled with both triumph and heartbreak. While recent years have tested his limits, Reyes remains one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
If he can harness the lessons of his setbacks, maintain his physical health, and mentally reset, there’s no reason he can’t re-emerge as a force in the Octagon. The UFC loves a comeback—and fans do too. The next chapter in Dominick Reyes’ journey could very well be his most compelling yet.
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