Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at debuting light heavyweight Dominick Reyes as takes on Joachim Christensen at UFC Fight Night 112 in Oklahoma City.
Dominick “The Devastator” Reyes
Hometown: Victorville, California
Age: 27
Height: 6-foot-4
Reach: 78 inches
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight
Camp: Cage Combat Academy
Career Record: 6-0
Key Wins: None
Key Losses: None
Background The undefeated light heavyweight first started fighting professionally in December 2014. He’s won all six of his professional fights. All but one of those wins was inside the distance. Reyes is a powerful athlete who has been trained by former UFC fighters Robert Drysdale and Joe Stevenson.
Strengths
- Excellent size for the division
- Athletic fighter
- Good footwork
- Times kicks very well
Weaknesses
- Limited ground game
- Low level of competition
- Has yet to face any adversity
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: C-
Athleticism / Speed: B+
Footwork: C+
Chin: D+
Offensive Wrestling: D
Takedown Defense: D
Submissions: D-
Conditioning: C-
Intangibles: D+
Overall Grade: D+ Matchup with Joachim Christensen Despite only fighting three weeks ago, Reyes is in position to have a positive UFC debut. Coming off a quick head kick knockout in LFA, Reyes is taking a short notice fight at Fight Night 112 against Christensen. The European fighter is over 10 years older than the debuting Reyes. He has a significant experience advantage, which could help him if this fight extends into the third round, but physically he’s at a major disadvantage. Reyes is a former all-league football player at FCS level. Entering the UFC, he’s already one of the best athletes in the division. He’s long for the weight class and has a good body for the division. Reyes has really good footwork and combines that a nice striking arsenal. He’s got quick hands and has an excellent left switch kick. It’s that speed and striking precision that is going to cause problems for Christensen. I expect Reyes to be able to land and move. The only way Christensen is going to be able to win this fight is if he’s able to get the American to the mat and work in submissions. However, I think Reyes ends this fight before Christensen is able to have any success in the grappling. Look for Reyes to win his UFC debut and do so in style against a much slower opponent. The moneyline is way out of my price range, so I will be looking at the knockout props once available.
UFC Ceiling Reyes is one of the more intriguing prospects in the light heavyweight division. He has the size, athleticism and striking acumen to potentially make an impact right away in the UFC. While his ground game is unknown, his physical talents are clear. If Reyes continues to develop, he has the potential to be a Top 10 light heavyweight, perhaps even a fringe Top 5 fighter in the weight class.
Fight Film Check out Reyes in some of his most recent fights…
Reyes vs. Marcus Govan
Reyes vs. Jordan Powell
Parting Shot 1 on 1 with Reyes
