Back at UFC 247, Jon Jones defended his light heavyweight belt for the final time. The match was not without controversy, though. To this day, many believe that Dominick Reyes won the first three rounds of that fight. The challenger put a surprising amount of pressure on Jones, and battled strong for the entire fight. After years of dominance, it looked like Jones’s eventual successor had finally arrived.
Image – Orange County Register
However, Reyes’s next fights did not pan out as he had hoped. Jones vacated the belt, so Reyes fought Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title. He lost via a devastating knockout. He then fought eventual champion Jiri Prochazka in a grueling battle before suffering another violent knockout loss. Taking a step back in the rankings, he fought Ryan Spann, who knocked him out in the first round. Once on the verge of gold, Reyes’s future in the sport suddenly looked uncertain.
Image – MMA Fighting
Reyes picked himself back up and took another fight against the dangerous Dustin Jacoby. He ate some shots, but landed a beautiful counter to hurt Jacoby and eventually finish him. After years of disappointment and pain, Reyes finally rebounded in the best way possible.
Image – BOEC.com
Throughout his losing streak, fans questioned whether Reyes could still remain divisionally relevant, let alone challenge for the title. His series of knockout losses also raised questions about his durability. Even now, those questions loom large. However, he did battle adversity in his brief clash with Jacoby. He also finished the fight in dominant fashion, an encouraging sign for any Dominick Reyes fans.
Careers in combat sports are unpredictable. A single result can completely change a fighter’s career. With different judges, Reyes could possibly have been a champion already. That said, to pick up a win in the modern era bodes great significance. The UFC’s light heavyweight division remains wide open. Since Jones left the division, the title has rapidly changed hands across several names. Another win over a ranked opponent could launch Reyes back into the title picture. Reyes abruptly fell from grace, but with his knockout power, he just might have the tools to climb back up.
Image – UFC.com
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