Dominick Reyes shared his thoughts on his controversial loss to Jon Jones and how the judges scored it. Reyes remains firm in his belief that he defeated Jones in their light heavyweight title encounter.
Jones successfully defended his light heavyweight championship against Reyes in the main event of UFC 247. Reyes entered with an undefeated record and thrived under the added pressure of competing in a title fight. From the opening bell, he took the fight to Jones and looked like he belonged.
He landed clean shots and even dropped Jones throughout the fight. Reyes neutralized ‘Bones’ takedown attempts. Although the champion secured takedowns, the challenger quickly scrambled back to his feet whenever the champion secured a takedown.
The fight went the distance, and many expected a new champion would be crowned. However, the judges scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Jones. The decision sparked backlash on social media, with fans saying Reyes deserved the win.
Reyes agreed with the criticism, and discussed the fight during an appearance on Pound 4 Pound. He pointed to his striking and grappling exchanges as proof he had done enough to win.
“[I won] first three [rounds] easily. He had nothing for me, he might have landed two punches in all three of those rounds,” Reyes said. “He took me down in [rounds] four and five, I got up in 1.5 seconds. Now, that counts as nothing.”
Dominick Reyes Claims he is a Better Striker Than Jon Jones
Now, five years later, Reyes still believes that he was a much better striker than Jones. He recalled the champion having trouble finding his range throughout their fight, specifically with his combinations.
Reyes said he took advantage of Jones’ hesitations and was able to land more significant strikes. He then questioned ‘Bones’ ability to finish opponents with punches, despite having an 84-inch reach.
“For being 84 inch reach, bro, how many hand knockouts, how many punches does he land? Not very many,” Reyes told Pound 4 Pound. “When I look at the numbers and how it actually is versus the glazing, my hands were and are better than his because he doesn’t understand his range very well.”
Reyes added that Jones tends to be more cautious in his fights. He believes Jones’ lack of confidence with his boxing leads to him clinching more to minimize risk:
“He wants to be touching and elbowing you and grappling you, safer places.”
Dominick Reyes Claims Jon Jones Rejected Rematch
After UFC 247, many expected a rematch between Jones and Reyes. It appeared to be inevitable, considering the controversial judges’ decision.
Reyes campaigned for the rematch, however, the rematch didn’t materialize. Instead of granting the rematch, Jones vacated his title and announced a move to the heavyweight division. That fight marked his final light heavyweight bout, ending a legendary run in the division.
Despite the move to heavyweight, Reyes told Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo that Jones actually ducked him. He claimed the UFC attempted to book the rematch, but ‘Bones’ declined due to the risk factor.
“After that fight, I lobbied for the rematch for the entire year,” Reyes said. “[Jones] went to heavyweight, he ran from me. He said, ‘You’re not paying me enough to fight that guy, he’s too dangerous.'”
Dominick Reyes Reflects on Jon Jones Loss: ‘He Had Nothing for Me’