Dominick Reyes and Jon Jones: The Unbreakable Bond of UFC History Ahead of UFC 314

That night in Houston still haunts me. February 8, 2020 – the night many MMA fans (myself included) believe Dominick Reyes beat Jon Jones. As Reyes prepares to face Nikita Krylov this Saturday at UFC 314, I can’t help but think about how that controversial decision forever linked these two fighters in the sport’s history.

When an undefeated challenger pushed the greatest light heavyweight of all time to his absolute limit, something special happened. A rivalry was born that transcends wins and losses – it became part of UFC lore.

The Fight That Changed Everything

Reyes entered that championship bout with a perfect 12-0 record and the confidence to match. What followed was five rounds of tactical warfare that left the MMA world divided. Jones retained his title via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), but the controversy was immediate and intense.

UFC President Dana White admitted he scored the fight for Reyes. Commentator Joe Rogan openly questioned the judging. The MMA community erupted with debates that continue to this day.

It wasn’t just a loss on Reyes’ record – it was the moment that defined his career.

“That fight with Jon, we’re forever linked,” Reyes recently told reporters during UFC 314 media day. “It’s part of who I am now. But I’ve got to focus on the present – and that’s Nikita Krylov.”

The Brutal Aftermath

Since that night, Reyes’ career has taken a difficult turn. Three consecutive losses – a knockout defeat to Jan Blachowicz in his second title opportunity, followed by devastating finishes against Jiri Prochazka and Ryan Spann – have pushed “The Devastator” to the brink.

Saturday’s fight against Krylov isn’t just another bout – it’s potentially career-defining. At 34, Reyes knows the window for another championship run is closing.

The Jones Factor: A Shadow That Never Fades

While Reyes battles to revive his career, Jones has since vacated the light heavyweight title, taken a three-year hiatus, and returned to capture the heavyweight championship by submitting Ciryl Gane. Their paths couldn’t have diverged more dramatically.

Yet every time Reyes steps into the octagon, the Jones fight remains the measuring stick. It’s both his greatest achievement and his heaviest burden.

UFC 314: The Comeback Begins?

Nikita Krylov presents a dangerous challenge for Reyes. The Ukrainian fighter is known for his well-rounded skill set and finishing ability, with 27 of his 28 wins coming via stoppage. But for Reyes, this fight represents something more profound than just a potential victory.

“I’ve completely reinvented my approach,” Reyes explained. “I went back to basics, reconnected with what made me successful in the first place. The pressure of being undefeated, then the pressure after losing to Jones – it got to me. Now I’m fighting free again.”

This mental shift could be exactly what Reyes needs. The technical skills have always been there – the explosive athleticism, the counter-striking, the defensive wrestling. But the psychological burden of that Jones fight and the subsequent losses had clearly affected his performance.

What’s At Stake

Let’s be honest – Reyes is fighting for his UFC future on Saturday. Three straight losses is concerning; four would be catastrophic. But a win over a ranked opponent like Krylov could be the spark that reignites his career.

And while Jones has moved on to heavyweight challenges, you can’t help but wonder if somewhere in the back of Reyes’ mind, he still dreams of that rematch – of settling the score that so many believe should have gone his way.

The Legacy Question

How will history remember Dominick Reyes? As the man who should have dethroned Jon Jones? As a cautionary tale of how one controversial decision can derail a promising career? Or as a fighter who overcame adversity to rebuild himself into a contender once again?

Saturday night won’t answer all those questions, but it will give us the first clue about which direction his legacy is heading.

For fans watching UFC 314, the Reyes-Krylov fight isn’t just another light heavyweight bout. It’s the next chapter in one of the most compelling human stories in recent UFC history – a story of glory nearly grasped, lost opportunities, and the fight for redemption.

I’ll be watching closely. You should too.

Are you excited to see Dominick Reyes return to the octagon at UFC 314? Do you think he was robbed against Jon Jones? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Source: UFC 314 Media Day Interviews, UFC Fight Archives