Dominick Reyes eyes 2026 title shot after rapid UFC resurgence: 'Solidify my name in the rafters'

Dominick Reyes Eyes 2026 UFC Title Shot After Devastating Knockout at UFC 314

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Dominick Reyes is back—and he's aiming high.
Once seen as the uncrowned king after a razor-thin loss to Jon Jones in 2020, Reyes’ career spiraled into darkness. A controversial decision followed by a brutal losing streak had many writing off "The Devastator." But now, at age 35, he's flipped the script.

At UFC 314 in Miami, Reyes delivered a thunderous first-round knockout of Nikita Krylov—something no one had done in Krylov's 39-fight career. That victory marked Reyes' third straight win and a powerful statement to the light heavyweight division.

Speaking on Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show," Reyes said, "I see one more fight this year—maybe October—and then in 2026, I’m looking at a title shot. That’s the goal. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere."

His comeback story is even more incredible considering he overcame a life-threatening blood clot that sidelined him for all of 2023. But since returning, it's been all systems go—like the 12-0 phenom who nearly dethroned Jon Jones.

Prior to UFC 314, Reyes secured dominant wins over Dustin Jacoby and Anthony Smith. But it was the Krylov knockout that reminded the world of his rare athleticism and precision.

Reyes reflected, "People say the knockout looked like Conor vs. Aldo—but I’m a 205-pounder doing that. That makes a difference."

Let’s not forget—after the Jones fight, Reyes had another title shot in 2020 against Jan Blachowicz, which ended in a second-round loss. Now, Reyes hopes the third time’s the charm.

His mission is clear: not just win gold, but cement his name in UFC history.

"I touched the crown once,” Reyes said, “but I want to grab it and put my name in the rafters as one of the greats."

Will 2026 be the year of redemption for Dominick Reyes?

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