MIAMI – Dominick Reyes is staking the claim he has the best left hand in MMA right now.
While that statement can be debated, Reyes’ power and timing were on full display in the UFC 314 main card opener Saturday. Reyes (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) flattened opponent Nikita Krylov (29-10 MMA, 11-8 UFC) at Kaseya Center.
“I’m going to tell you right now I’ve got the best left in the game,” Reyes told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “There ain’t no debate about that. … Alex has a left hook. I have a pull-two. He is an orthodox fighter. I’m a southpaw. So, what’s up?”
There’s nothing but love between Reyes and Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC). The two trained together in 2022 ahead of Pereira’s first MMA matchup with Israel Adesanya which was on the same card as Reyes’ fight vs. Ryan Spann.
Since then, Reyes and Pereira have diverged. Reyes has voiced disinterest in the prospect of fighting Pereira. But a training reunion, Reyes hopes happens.
“I’ve definitely got to see them again,” Reyes said. “They were so kind to me when I was at my lowest. I’ll have nothing but love and respect for those guys for the rest of my life. So I would like to see him again, get some work in. But we’ll see. We’ll see.”
Reyes, 35, could be one fight away from a UFC title shot. He’s U-turned his career momentum with three-straight wins that have come after four-straight losses. Reyes called the past year the best of his life.
“Pure adulation,” Reyes said. “It’s confirmation that everything I’m doing is correct. (I’m feeling) gratitude that the lord has anointed my tonight. I’m just grateful.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.
