Dominick Reyes Snubs Jon Jones, Names Carlos Ulberg as the ‘Best Athlete’ He’s Ever Faced

Dominick Reyes, a former two-time title challenger in the UFC, has made a surprising declaration regarding the most formidable athlete he’s ever encountered in the octagon. Despite having shared the cage with Jon Jones, widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Reyes points to a different opponent.

Reyes is set to return to action this Saturday in the main event of UFC Perth, where he aims to continue his career resurgence. After enduring a challenging period with a four-fight losing streak between 2019 and 2024, ‘The Devastator’ has impressively bounced back with three consecutive victories, climbing his way back up the rankings.

His difficult run began with a controversial loss to Jon Jones, a fight where the decision in favor of the defending champion was heavily debated by fans and pundits alike. While questionable scorecards denied Reyes a potential victory over a GOAT contender, the 35-year-old believes his upcoming fight will introduce him to an even superior “athlete” in the sport.

Carlos Ulberg: Dominick Reyes` Surprising Pick for Top Athlete

The main event at RAC Arena will pit Reyes against Carlos Ulberg, a rising Kiwi star who boasts an impressive eight-fight winning streak. Ulberg`s recent victory over former champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC London has solidified his position, propelling him to No. 3 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings and marking him as a serious title contender at 205 pounds.

Acknowledging the significant challenge ahead, Reyes spoke to Fox Sports in August and unequivocally stated that Ulberg would be the best athlete he has ever faced – a distinction he gives even over renowned fighters like Jon Jones and Jiri Prochazka.

“This is the UFC, the hardest league in the world. So it’s not easy fighting on this stage,” Reyes remarked. “Obviously they (UFC) have built him (Ulberg), put him against lower competition. But what I make of Carlos, he’s an incredible athlete, man.”

Reyes further elaborated on Ulberg`s abilities: “He’s going to be the best athlete I’ve ever fought in my career. He’s also really technical, excellent footwork.”

Dominick Reyes Eyes White House Rematch, But Not Against Jon Jones

Considering the contentious outcome of his first professional loss to Jon Jones, many might expect Reyes to pursue a rematch with “Bones.” However, ahead of his clash with Ulberg, Reyes revealed a different opponent for a dream rematch, specifically mentioning the UFC`s rumored event at the White House in 2026.

“That’s just me talking best case scenario in terms of narratives for the fight. The rematch with Jiri, that’s the fight,” Reyes told MMA Junkie. He clarified his preferences: “I don’t really want to fight Alex (Pereira) because he’s my friend. I’ll fight him, but I don’t really want to. (Magomed) Ankalaev, I’ll fight the guy, whatever. Same with Khalil (Rountree Jr.), it’s like, whatever, but I have no history or ‘I want to get that back’ kind of deal.”

Reyes expressed profound respect for Prochazka, emphasizing their memorable past encounter. “The Jiri fight was a great fight while it lasted and I think if we do it again, it’ll be another amazing fight,” Reyes continued. “I’ve got nothing but respect for Jiri. We’ve actually partied together, me and Jiri, believe it or not.” Their intense “back-and-forth war” concluded with Reyes being stopped by Prochazka in devastating fashion at UFC Vegas 25 in May 2021.