Dominick Reyes, the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, recently experienced a significant relief by breaking a four-fight losing streak. At UFC on ESPN 57, held at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, Reyes faced off against Dustin Jacoby in the co-main event. The victory over Jacoby marked a crucial moment for Reyes, who hadn’t fought in two years due to health issues.
Entering the fight, Reyes (13-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) knew that defeating Jacoby (19-9-1 MMA, 7-6-1 UFC) was essential for his career. The pressure was on, and Reyes delivered. After a tumultuous period that included three consecutive stoppage losses following his close fight with Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title, Reyes finally found himself back in the win column.
Relief and Redemption
In his post-fight press conference, Reyes expressed relief and self-affirmation. When Jacoby hit him during the fight, Reyes realized he was still in the game. He said, “I’m still here. I had so many questions, and I was questioning myself, and then I saw my performance, and I was like, ‘Wow.’ I felt it out there. I really do love this, and I’m not going anywhere”.
DOMINICK REYES WITH HIS FIRST WIN SINCE 2019!!! WHAT A KNOCKOUT!#UFCLouisville #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/Z6caf6HNnt
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 9, 2024
Aiming for the Title Again
Dominick Reyes, now 34 years old, aims to make another title run. His undefeated 12-0 start in MMA was halted by the loss to Jon Jones, which triggered the subsequent skid. However, Reyes remains confident that a title shot is within reach at light heavyweight. He emphasized that good performances would put him back in the title conversation, and he’s determined to get back to being his best self.
What’s Next for Dominick Reyes?
While Dominick Reyes doesn’t have a specific opponent or date in mind for his return, he likes the idea of fighting in September at UFC 306. Ultimately, the timing matters more than the opponent. Whether he faces a well-known contender or a rising star, Reyes is ready to prove himself once again. As he put it, “I know who I am and what I’m capable of. You just have to win and get back to being you”.
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