MIAMI – Dominick Reyes keeps proving that he’s indeed fully back. The former UFC light heavyweight title challenger distanced himself even more from the career rut that had his UFC stay in question just a few years back. Reyes (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) did so by knocking out Nikita Krylov at the 2:24 mark of Round 1. The bout opened the pay-per-view main card of UFC 314 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+), which took place Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami.
Reyes was playing the counter game with Krylov (29-10 MMA, 11-8 UFC). In a blitz from Krylov, Reyes connected with a clean right-hand counter that sent him crashing down to the canvas. The referee almost immediately jumped in to stop the fight. With this win, Reyes is now on a three-fight winning streak, as he had previously stopped veterans Anthony Smith and Dustin Jacoby. Prior to this three-fight run, Reyes was on a four-fight losing streak, with three defeats by knockout.
Reyes called for one more fight against a top contender before getting a crack at the UFC light heavyweight title. “I’m not back, I’m better,” Reyes declared post-fight, emphasizing his resurgence in the sport. This emphatic victory not only showcased Reyes' striking prowess but also marked a significant moment in his career.
On the other hand, Krylov saw a three-fight winning streak come to an end. This defeat also marked his sixth stoppage loss in the UFC. Krylov had not fought since March 2023 due to an injury, and this bout marked a challenging return to the octagon.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 314 results include:
- Dominick Reyes def. Nikita Krylov via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:24
- Dan Ige def. Sean Woodson via TKO (punches) – Round 3
- Virna Jandiroba def. Yan Xiaonan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Chase Hooper def. Jim Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Julian Erosa def. Darren Elkins via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:15
- Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:49
- Su Mudaerji def. Mitch Raposo via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 3:16
- Nora Cornolle def. Hailey Cowan via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:52
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.
Reyes’ performance was nothing short of spectacular, leaving UFC commentator Joe Rogan in awe. Following the knockout, Rogan exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, wow. Ladies and gentlemen, Dominick Reyes is back!" This sentiment echoed throughout the arena as Reyes celebrated his emphatic victory.
As he celebrated, Reyes made a golf swing gesture towards ringside, where U.S. President Donald Trump was in attendance. The iconic moment further amplified the excitement of the night. Reyes acknowledged Krylov as a tough competitor but was clearly focused on his goal of reclaiming a title shot in the near future.
Reyes, who is now ranked No. 11 in the light heavyweight division, has previously contested for the title against Jon Jones and Jan Blachowicz. After a rough patch in his career, he seems to have found his rhythm again, having secured three consecutive finishes.
“I’m just so grateful, man,” Reyes said in a post-fight interview. “To come back from where I was, to keep pushing—it’s all about faith and will. Tonight was about showing I’m not just back, I’m better.” He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from fans and his team.
Looking ahead, Reyes is eager to face a top contender, stating, “The title’s still the goal, and I’m coming for it.” His confidence is palpable, and with his recent performances, he is certainly a fighter to watch in the light heavyweight division.
Meanwhile, Krylov's defeat raises questions about his future in the sport. Having not fought for over a year and now facing a significant setback, the 31-year-old may need to reassess his path moving forward. This loss marked a difficult return for Krylov, who had been on a three-fight winning streak prior to his injury.
In other bouts on the UFC 314 card, Dan Ige secured his 11th UFC win with a stoppage victory over Sean Woodson, while Virna Jandiroba solidified her position as the No. 1 contender to Zhang Weili’s women’s strawweight title by defeating Yan Xiaonan via unanimous decision. Chase Hooper also made headlines by defeating UFC legend Jim Miller by unanimous decision, showcasing the new wave of talent in the organization.
As the event wrapped up, fans and analysts alike were left buzzing about Reyes’ performance and the implications it has for the light heavyweight division. With his sights set firmly on the title, Reyes seems poised to make a significant impact in the coming months.
The UFC 314 event not only highlighted the incredible talent within the organization but also set the stage for exciting matchups in the future, as fighters like Reyes look to reclaim their positions at the top of their divisions.
