Dominick Reyes is back on track after winning two fights in a row for the first time since 2019.
He was the first fighter who many fans think almost beat Jon Jones in 2020, but he lost in a close fight. After that, Reyes had a tough time and lost three fights in a row, with some really big knockouts. But he didn’t give up. He knocked out Dustin Jacoby earlier this year and just beat Anthony Smith with a big win to show he’s coming back strong.
Hell of a performance by @DomReyes 👏
He gets his second consecutive victory to finish off the year strong! #UFC310 pic.twitter.com/3TnTiHPtsm
— UFC (@ufc) December 8, 2024
Dominick Reyes consoled Anthony Smith after their fight at #UFC310 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8SwR6IRoa2
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 8, 2024
Jon Jones React
Jon Jones was locked in on the fight between his former opponents 😅 #UFC310 pic.twitter.com/5XR2JRVpSV
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 8, 2024
Reyes was smiling and celebrating, but Smith started taking off his gloves. When he talked into the microphone, Smith said he didn’t know how many more fights he could do without his coach by his side. He said he felt really emotional before the fight, and it affected how he fought. Smith didn’t say he was quitting for sure, but he said this might be his last fight.
Anthony Smith was emotional after his loss to Dominick Reyes at #UFC310 pic.twitter.com/MTGjl3so2Y
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 8, 2024
Anthony Smith was really sad because he lost a friend, and that made him do some strange things in the fight, like not blocking his face when Reyes hit him. Reyes kept hitting hard with elbows, and finally, the referee stopped the fight to protect Smith.
Now, as 2024 ends, it looks like Dominick Reyes might be ready for another big shot at the light heavyweight title.
Reyes, 34, has been on an exciting journey in 2024. After a tough few years with four losses in a row, he made a strong comeback, winning two big knockout fights. His win over Smith on Saturday shows he’s back on track and could be aiming for a top 10 spot in 2025.
