In the main event of UFC Vegas 25, we got to see a matchup between top light heavyweight contenders. Former two-time title challenger Dominick Reyes (12-3) was taking on Jiri Prochazka (28-3-1).
In early 2020, Reyes fought Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight title. The fight was incredibly close and many people believe Reyes won. However, all three judges gave the fight to Jones.
Had Reyes had won that decision, he would’ve been 13-0 having just knocked off the greatest of all time. Instead, he was left in frustration as he waited what was next. After Jones vacated the title, the UFC put Reyes in the next title fight.
At UFC 253, Reyes fought Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title. Reyes was a sizeable favorite going into the matchup, but he had no answer for the Polish Power. Blachowicz was able to stop Reyes to become the light heavyweight champion.
Now, Reyes has gone from being potentially 13-0 to looking at a three-fight losing streak if he was to lose to Prochazka at UFC Vegas 25. Well, that’s exactly what happened on Saturday night.
Prochazka was an animal in attacking Reyes on the feet. He hurt Dominick Reyes multiple times badly, however, Reyes wouldn’t back down. In the second round, Reyes actually hurt Prochazka badly enough to force him to shoot for a takedown.
However, Prochazka was still getting the better of the exchanges. Then, near the end of the second round, Prochazka landed a beautiful spinning elbow that put Reyes out cold. Reyes has now gone from his greatest high at UFC 247 to losing three straight.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 25?
In reality, having Reyes fight Prochazka at UFC Vegas 25 was a really tough ask. In my opinion, Reyes should have fought someone a little lower to get back in the swing of things having lost two in a row.
However, that’s not the way the UFC does business. Yes, Reyes is on a three-fight losing streak, but given the caliber of opponents, I’m not expecting a big drop in the rankings tomorrow.
So who should the UFC pair him with next? In my opinion, the perfect fight for Reyes would be a rematch with Volkan Oezdemir (17-5). Oezdemir and Reyes fought back in 2019 with Reyes taking a split decision.
However, many believe that Oezdemir won the fight. Like Reyes, Oezdemir is also coming off a knockout loss to Jiri Prochazka. Reyes is going to need some time off, but when he is ready to return, I like Oezdemir as a matchup.