Nolan King: Don’t let your Jones victory fatigue underestimate Reyes
Jon Jones is one of the most, if not the most, dominant champions in UFC history. His resume is unlike any other in MMA history, which makes many, including myself, think he’s the pound-for-pound greatest fighter of all time.
That said, there’s no way in hell Dominick Reyes should be counted out. Sadly, he is being grossly discredited by many.
Yes, Jones is likely the greatest ever. Yes, he’s defeated many fighters who have come along and said the same things as Reyes is saying before this fight. But Reyes isn’t any of those guys Jones has already beat. He’s not Thiago Santos. He’s not Daniel Cormier. He’s not Alexander Gustafsson. He’s Dominick Reyes.
Reyes’ rise up the divisional ladder has been swift and impressive. When was the last time there was this much deserved hype for a fighter rising through the 205-pound division?
Look at the times other all-time greats have suffered their first UFC losses.
“Henry Cejudo already lost to Demetrious Johnson – he’s not going to beat him in the rematch.”
“Chris Weidman? Geez, we’re really reaching for contenders to fight Anderson Silva.”
I’m not saying Reyes will win. I simply think he could win, which is more credit than most people are giving him. The Jones victory fatigue is real. People have seen Jones win so many times, they’ve let their guard down.
I just hope for Jones’ sake he isn’t letting his guard down, too. Reyes is legit. Win or lose Saturday, I expect him to show that.
UFC 247 takes place Saturday at Toyota Center in Houston. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
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