Reyes makes quick work of Weidman
Entering Friday’s UFC Fight Night main event in Boston, the only thing missing from Dominick Reyes‘ title shot résumé was a signature win.
That is no longer the case.
Reyes (12-0) made quick work of a former UFC champion Friday night at TD Garden, as he knocked out Chris Weidman (14-5) at the 1-minute, 43-second mark of the first round. The light heavyweight contest marked Weidman’s 205-pound debut in the UFC. The 35-year-old held the 185-pound championship from 2013 to 2015.
It was the second-fastest finish of Reyes UFC career, and his eighth first-round finish overall. Afterward, Reyes called for a title shot against dominant champion Jon Jones.
“Hey Jon, I don’t want any party favors,” Reyes said. “I want that belt, baby. Let’s go.”
Weidman, of Mineola, New York, looked to take Reyes down from the opening bell, but failed to really do so. He worked his way deep into Reyes’ hips on his first shot, and was able to drag him to a seated position against the fence. It didn’t take long, however, for Reyes to get his legs back under him and stand up.
After the two separated, Weidman looked to move forward again moments later, and Reyes floored him with a step-back right hand. Weidman fell to his back and tried to reach for Reyes’ legs, but a couple of hammerfists quickly put him to sleep. It was the fifth time Weidman has been knocked out in his past six fights.
“I was out here having fun,” Reyes said. “He came in and I put him down. It was everything I imagined it would be. I’m so honored to fight Chris. He’s a fantastic competitor. I want to thank him and his family. His loss is my gain, that’s how this business is, but it’s all love baby.
“Early in the fight. I seen it. I seen the opening there. I saw him lunge in. I knew he was gonna lunge in. I cracked him in the jaw. I knew he was already hurt and it only took a few to finish him.”
Weidman, whose most recent win came against Kelvin Gastelum in July 2017, was gracious in defeat.
“All props to Dom Reyes,” Weidman said. “It’s the game we play. I’ll be back, better. God is good, even in this adversity. All good.”
Reyes, of Hesperia, California, is now 6-0 in the UFC. Jones does not currently have a title defense scheduled. He is expected to return in 2020.