Dominick Vincent Reyes Bio
Dominick Vincent Reyes is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by his nickname “The Devastator” for his powerful kicks, Reyes has established himself as a significant contender in MMA since his debut in 2014.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 26, 1989, in Hesperia, California, Dominick Reyes is of Mexican American heritage. Growing up in a poor family, his parents encouraged him to pursue sports to avoid negative influences. Reyes was an athlete from a young age, participating in wrestling and American football with aspirations to play in the NFL.
After graduating from Hesperia High School, Reyes attended Stony Brook University in New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems. During his college years, he was the starting safety and captain for the Stony Brook Seawolves football team, earning First Team All-Big South honors in 2012 and setting school records for solo tackles.
Despite interest from NFL teams, Reyes went undrafted in 2013 due to average speed evaluations. He briefly pursued opportunities in the Canadian Football League but ultimately returned to California, working in construction and his father’s cabinetry business before transitioning to mixed martial arts training at his brother’s gym.
Path to MMA
Dominick Reyes began training in mixed martial arts initially to stay in shape and manage frustration. He competed in amateur MMA bouts, achieving a 5–0 record and winning the U of MMA championship twice. Reyes quickly made a name for himself with a professional record of 6–0 before signing with the UFC, including a viral knockout victory via head kick.
Reyes’ early success in regional promotions paved the way for his entry into the UFC, where he continued to develop under the guidance of his team, Joe Stevensons Cobra Kai. His southpaw stance and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt complemented his striking skills, particularly his powerful kicks.
Dominick Vincent Reyes Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Reyes began his professional MMA career in 2014, quickly compiling an undefeated record in smaller promotions. His notable early victory against Jordan Powell showcased his knockout power and striking precision. Reyes’ performances earned him a contract with the UFC in 2017.
He made his UFC debut on June 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 112 against Joachim Christensen, winning by technical knockout in under a minute and earning a Performance of the Night bonus. This marked the start of his rise in the light heavyweight division.
UFC Breakthrough (2017–2020)
Reyes continued to impress with victories over Jeremy Kimball, Jared Cannonier, Ovince Saint Preux, and Volkan Oezdemir, demonstrating versatility with wins by knockout, submission, and decision. His knockout of Chris Weidman in October 2019 earned him another Performance of the Night award and solidified his status as a top contender.
In February 2020, Reyes challenged Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 247. Despite a controversial unanimous decision loss, many media outlets scored the fight in Reyes’ favor, highlighting his elite skill level and competitive spirit.
Later that year, Reyes fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant title at UFC 253 but lost via technical knockout. He remained a prominent figure in the division, known for his resilience and striking prowess.
Recent Career and Challenges (2021–Present)
Reyes faced Jiří Procházka in May 2021 in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors despite Reyes suffering multiple facial fractures in a knockout loss. He experienced further setbacks with a knockout defeat to Ryan Spann in 2022 but rebounded with technical knockout victories over Dustin Jacoby and Anthony Smith in 2024.
In April 2025, Reyes secured a knockout win against Nikita Krylov, showcasing his continued threat in the division. However, he lost to Carlos Ulberg by knockout in September 2025. Reyes remains an active competitor with a record of 15 wins and 5 losses.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dominick Reyes fights from a southpaw stance, utilizing his 196 cm reach and powerful kicking ability to control distance and deliver significant damage. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt complements his striking, allowing him to capitalize on submission opportunities. Reyes is known for his strategic approach and resilience inside the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Reyes’ UFC debut victory earned him immediate recognition, and his performance against Jon Jones remains one of the most discussed light heavyweight title fights due to its controversial decision. His Fight of the Night bout against Jiří Procházka demonstrated his toughness and willingness to engage in high-stakes battles.
Dominick Vincent Reyes Career Wins
Dominick Reyes has accumulated 15 professional wins, including 4 by knockout, 2 by submission, and 1 by decision. His victories span multiple UFC events and showcase his evolution as a fighter capable of finishing fights in various ways.
UFC Highlights
Reyes’ first UFC win came via quick technical knockout against Joachim Christensen. He has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses for his striking finishes, including a notable knockout of Chris Weidman. His recent wins in 2024 reaffirm his position as a formidable contender in the light heavyweight division.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Reyes maintained an undefeated professional record of 6–0, including a highlight-reel knockout that gained viral attention. His amateur career was also marked by success, with a 5–0 record and two U of MMA championships.
Dominick Vincent Reyes Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Dominick Reyes has an older brother, Alexander Reyes, who also competes in the UFC’s Lightweight division. The brothers share a strong connection through their involvement in mixed martial arts, training together and supporting each other’s careers.
Personal Life
Reyes resides in Victorville, California. He enjoys various outdoor activities such as snowboarding, wakeboarding, mountain biking, and dirt biking. A fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers, Reyes balances his athletic career with interests in sports and documentaries.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Dominick Reyes continued to compete actively in the UFC light heavyweight division. He secured a knockout victory over Nikita Krylov in April, demonstrating his striking power and skill. However, a knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg in September presented challenges for Reyes as he aims to regain momentum.
Throughout the season, Reyes has worked closely with his team at Joe Stevensons Cobra Kai, focusing on refining his technique and strategy. His performances in 2025 reflect his resilience and determination to remain a top contender in the division.