UFC Light Heavyweight contender Dominick Reyes has expressed a clear preference regarding the outcome of the UFC 320 main event.
The UFC Light Heavyweight championship is set for its second clash this year, featuring current titleholder Magomed Ankalaev and former champion Alex Pereira. Pereira, having lost the belt to Ankalaev via unanimous decision at UFC 313 in March, is now aiming to reclaim it in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 320 on October 4th in Las Vegas.
Prior to this championship bout, a significant title eliminator is scheduled for this weekend at UFC Perth, pitting top contenders Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes against each other. Reyes, a two-time title challenger against Jon Jones and Jan Blachowicz, sees this fight as a crucial step towards securing a third shot at the title.
Reyes Explains Preference for Ankalaev Over Pereira
During an interview on The Brian Campbell Experience, Reyes was questioned about his preferred opponent between Ankalaev and Pereira, ahead of their upcoming rematch at UFC 320.
Reyes openly stated his reason: “The only reason I`d want to fight Ankalaev is because I`m friends with Pereira.” He elaborated that he had completed a full training camp with Pereira leading up to their UFC 281 bouts in 2022. “He`s actually my friend,” Reyes reiterated, explaining his reluctance to face a friend. “So it`s like, I`d rather not fight my people. I`d rather fight Ankalaev.” However, he acknowledged the dilemma: “But then that would cause Alex to not be the champ, so it`s kind of a double-edged sword there.” Ultimately, his preference stems from the desire to avoid fighting a friend, stating, “But just for the mere fact that I`d rather fight somebody who isn`t my friend, I mean, that`s why I would prefer Ankalaev to win…”
Dominick Reyes` Resurgent Career Continues at UFC Perth
Following a contentious decision loss to Jon Jones in 2020, Reyes endured a challenging period, suffering three consecutive knockout defeats. Facing the potential end of his UFC career, Reyes orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, securing three consecutive knockout victories against Dustin Jacoby, Anthony Smith, and Nikita Krylov.
This weekend at UFC Perth, Reyes aims to extend his winning streak to four fights as he faces the #3-ranked Carlos Ulberg in the five-round main event. Ulberg, who recently earned a decision victory over former champion Jan Blachowicz (a fighter Reyes has previously lost to) in March, enters this bout on an impressive eight-fight winning streak.
Neville Whittle