Dominick Reyes has returned to prominence in the UFC light heavyweight division and wants to emphasize that he arguably defeated Jon Jones, the sport’s legendary figure. The contested fight took place in 2020 at UFC 247, where Reyes, then undefeated at 12-0, faced Jones in a close match that many fans and media scored in Reyes’s favor, particularly believing he won at least three of the five rounds. Despite this widespread opinion, Jones was awarded a unanimous decision victory, stirring debate about the judges’ scoring.
Reyes Details Why He Believes the Judges Overlooked His Performance
On the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Reyes explained his side of the fight in detail, confident he dominated the early rounds.
“[I won the] first three [rounds] easily,”
Reyes stated.
He might have landed two punches in all three rounds. He took me down in the fourth and fifth rounds, but I got up in 1.5 seconds. Like, now that counts as nothing. He took me down, wasted energy, I got up and then outed him.
His comments reflect his belief that Jones’s takedowns toward the end of the fight did not justify the points awarded, especially given Reyes’s quick recoveries and active offense.
Contextualizing the Decision Against Other UFC Matches
What stands out is the unanimous nature of the judges‘ decision, which contradicts the majority opinion among observers. This is particularly striking in comparison to Jones’s fight with Thiago Santos in 2019, where Jones won via split decision in what was considered a far less contentious outcome. This inconsistency has fueled ongoing discussions about the judging standards in high-profile UFC events.
Reyes’s Comeback and Prospects for Another Title Opportunity
Following a challenging period marked by a three-fight losing streak, Reyes has staged a strong comeback in 2024 with a three-fight finishing streak. His recent main event appearance against Carlos Ulberg at UFC Perth showcased his renewed strength and determination. A victory there positions Reyes to once again vie for the UFC light heavyweight title, a chance he believes he might have had years earlier if the judges had ruled differently in 2020.
The Broader Impact of the Fight’s Scoring Debate
This ongoing controversy highlights the critical role and scrutiny of judging in UFC bouts and its impact on fighters’ careers. Reyes’s perspective brings new attention to how decisions can influence title trajectories and the importance of transparent scoring. As Reyes continues his pursuit, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if he can finally claim the championship many believe was within reach years ago.