The UFC light heavyweight division has been home to some of the sport’s most legendary fighters and enduring icons. Dominick Reyes, a former contender who faced Jon Jones, recently shared his views on the greatest names in the division, firmly placing Jon Jones at the top while notably excluding Daniel Cormier from his all-time light heavyweight Mount Rushmore.
Why Dominick Reyes Excluded Daniel Cormier from His Light Heavyweight Legends List
Over the years, the UFC light heavyweight class has featured numerous prominent figures, many of whom were eventually surpassed by Jon Jones. Reyes, who fought Jones at UFC 247, is among the few athletes to have stepped into the Octagon with a fighter widely regarded as the GOAT of the 205-pound division.
During an appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Reyes was asked to assemble his own Mount Rushmore of UFC light heavyweights. He quickly named Jones as the definitive greatest in the division, recognizing Jones’ unparalleled achievements and dominance. However, Reyes’ remaining selections sparked debate as he chose to honor earlier pioneers of the sport rather than contemporaries such as Daniel Cormier.
Reyes’ list included Forrest Griffin, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, and Tito Ortiz, four fighters who were instrumental in shaping the division’s history and popularity. Though Cormier’s accomplishments are widely respected, Reyes defended his decision by emphasizing the era in which ‘DC’ competed and the quality of opponents he faced.
The GOAT is Jon. I’m going to put Forrest [Griffin] up there because [of] what he did for the sport and the division in general. Chuck [Liddell]. You gotta go Chuck… I’m going to have to go Randy [Couture] and Tito [Ortiz] kind of interchangeable.
—Dominick Reyes
When pressed by Kamaru Usman on why Cormier was not included, Reyes explained his reasoning further, pointing out a perceived difference in competition level and defenses during Cormier’s title reign.
I feel like Cormier, he’s a great fighter, don’t get me wrong, but it was a different time. Who did he defend his belt against?… I have a great respect for Daniel, but I’m saying all time, that’s my list and it’s opinion based.
—Dominick Reyes
Reyes Considers Himself the Most Underrated Fighter on the Current UFC Roster
Aside from assessing the greatest fighters at 205 pounds, Reyes also shared his thoughts on his own standing within the UFC. When asked if he had someone in mind as the most overrated or most underrated fighter, Reyes hesitated but ultimately felt the labels were too simplistic to capture the dynamic nature of MMA careers.
He pointed to how fighters’ reputations can fluctuate over time due to recent performances, noting that he himself had been seen in contrasting lights as his career has experienced ups and downs. Currently, Reyes is on a three-fight winning streak, standing in the light heavyweight rankings above two fighters who are struggling with three consecutive losses each.
I’ll just say I’m the most underrated right now. Let’s just say that.
—Dominick Reyes
Significance of Reyes’ Perspective on the UFC Light Heavyweight Legacy
Dominick Reyes’ comments underscore the ongoing debates about the greatest UFC light heavyweights, highlighting how different eras and personal experiences shape opinions. His choice to prioritize fighters who laid the foundation of the division rather than those who overlapped with Jones offers an alternative view on the sport’s history.
Reyes’ acknowledgment of Jon Jones as the unquestioned GOAT emphasizes the lasting impact Jones continues to have on the division, while the exclusion of Daniel Cormier from his Mount Rushmore adds fuel to conversations among fans and analysts about legacy and competition.
As Reyes prepares for his next pivotal fight, his recent streak and outspoken confidence could help him cement a return to title contention. His reflections on past champions and his own place in the rankings contribute to a broader understanding of the evolving UFC landscape in the light heavyweight division.