BOSTON – Out of Tuesday’s UFC on ESPN 6 open workout participants, Dominick Reyes has the least experience inside the octagon.
From the moment he emerged from the bowels of the Peter Welch’s Gym locker room, Reyes radiated energy. Yet at the same time, the undefeated UFC light heavyweight contender seemed so comfortable with the bright lights of his first main event.
No, he didn’t get the same pop from the crowd as Chris Weidman or Jeremy Stephens, but his aura did have everyone paying attention.
On Friday night, Reyes (11-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) takes on the most notable opponent of his career in Chris Weidman (14-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) at UFC on ESPN 6.
As Reyes walked to the boxing ring, he began to feed off the energy from the music playing in the gym. When the opening beat for Joyner Lucas’ “I Love” dropped, Reyes really began to feel it. Amped by the song selection, or maybe just the overall setting, Reyes smacked the pads with kicks and punches – and even accidentally split open his own brother and sparring partner.
At the conclusion of the workout, Reyes opened up on the feelings he’s been experiencing as the fight nears.
“This is my show. This is my main event. I’m the red corner. Very excited about it,” Reyes said. “I got a little hyped, cut my brother real quick. It’s a little cut, but still … this is exactly where I want to be. This is where I want to be. Riding with my loved ones.”
Whether he’s enjoying the local sights in Boston with family and friends or reflecting on his journey to UFC headliner, Reyes appears comfortable this fight week.
“In Boston, the city is beautiful,” Reyes said. “The people here are super cool. Having my family around, my team, and my boys, it means a lot. It makes me feel at ease. I’m in my element. I’m in my zone, and when I’m in my zone, it’s a dangerous place for my opponent.”
Fighting an opponent like Weidman, Reyes sees great upside if he does pull off the victory. While “The All American” has great name recognition, Reyes believes he has the more convincing resume. Situationally, they are both each other’s ideal opponent, according to Reyes.
“What he brings to the table is his name,” Reyes said. “I bring the rankings. I’m ranked high in the rankings, so he thinks knocking me off is going to bring him closer to the title.
“Me taking him out with his big name brings me closer to the title. We’re both bringing something to the table, and I look forward to knocking out my signature win.”
In Reyes’ eyes, who will get the victory boils down to one simple question: Can Chris Weidman’s chin hold up at UFC on ESPN 6?
“That remains to be seen,” Reyes said. “That’s the question we all have. Will his chin hold up? I don’t think it will. He’s been in some real wars, man – a lot of wars. These fights aren’t just like quick fights. He’s not getting quick knockouts.
“He’s fighting, he’s bleeding, he’s getting shots. Every shot takes a little bit off your energy bar. … He’s getting knocked out, so I’m going to capitalize on that.”
In a zone, Dominick Reyes makes one thing clear before UFC on ESPN 6: 'This is my main event'