Tomorrow night in the co-main event of UFC Louisville, we will see the return of a former light heavyweight title challenger. Former challenger Dominick Reyes (12-4) is back as he takes on decorated striker and top contender Dustin Jacoby (19-8-1).
In February 2020, Dominick Reyes fought Jon Jones for five rounds and took everything the GOAT had. Reyes won the fight in the eyes of many, but the judges gave the fight to Jones. If you go back, 14 of 21 media members scored the fight for Reyes in what was his career performance.
Nevertheless, he lost and didn’t become UFC champion. Later that year, he fought Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title and was knocked out in the second round. The following year, he returned to face Jiri Prochazka and went to war with the eventual champion. Reyes got knocked out in the second round.
Following that loss, he took more than a year off from fighting. He returned against Ryan Spann at UFC 281 and was brutally knocked out again in the first round. Health issues have kept him out of action since but he’s back now and it really feels like it’s do-or-die for Reyes tomorrow night.
Dustin Jacoby earned a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series back in 2020 and went on a run to start his octagon career. Jacoby went 6-0-1 in his first seven fights before fighting Khalil Rountree. I and most of the media scored the fight for Jacoby which would’ve made him 7-0-1 in the UFC, but he lost a split decision to Rountree.
Starting with that fight, he’s just 1-3 in his last four. In two losses against Alonzo Menifield and Azamat Murzakanov, he was competitive, but the big power coming back his way ultimately led to him losing key rounds and a decision. The one win in there was a very impressive first round knockout over Kennedy Nzechukwu.
UFC Louisville Prediction
I really struggle with Dominick Reyes at this point. He’s been out for nearly two years and his chin has completely disappeared over his last few fights. Coming back to face a guy who is an elite striker like Dustin Jacoby just doesn’t bode well if you ask me.
When Reyes was at his peak, he looked like a UFC champion. Many thought he should’ve been one. However, he never got that moment and now he’s just searching for another highlight. I really like Dustin Jacoby in this matchup where I think the fight is mainly going to take place on the feet.
Reyes can have moments, but at this point, I have to see it to believe it. Give me Dustin Jacoby inside the distance on this one and this is likely the last time you’ll see Dominick Reyes inside the octagon.
Prediction: Dustin Jacoby by TKO