Redemption in Perth: Can Reyes Complete His Return Against Ulberg?

This article charts the compelling revival of Dominick Reyes—once a light heavyweight title challenger who endured a grueling four-fight skid—and examines how his three straight KO/TKO wins have rekindled championship ambitions. It also highlights the upcoming showdown with Carlos Ulberg in Perth, the stakes involved, and how sportsbook attention, especially at platforms like Fanatics Sportsbook, underscores the renewed momentum. Anchored by stats and career details, the narrative traces roots, resurgence, mindset, and the wider context of his redemption journey.

Early Career and Rise

Dominick Reyes began his professional MMA journey with a blistering 12-0 run, often winning dominantly and earning his way to a UFC title shot.

Title Shot Against Jon Jones

Facing Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title at UFC 247 on February 8, 2020, Reyes lost via unanimous decision after five rounds. Many observers believed he had done enough to win, though the judges disagreed.

The Four-Fight Slide

Post-Jones, Reyes dropped three consecutive fights: TKO loss to Jan Blachowicz (Sep 26, 2020), KO by Jiri Prochazka via spinning back elbow (May 1, 2021), and KO by Ryan Spann in the first round (Nov 12, 2022).

Personal Reckoning and Camp Changes

Reyes admitted he began doubting himself during that slide and even changed teams entirely—training with Alex Pereira and Glover Teixeira—only to realize he was searching for something he already had. He reflected that the solution was sticking with the people who would “taken him to the dance.”

Mindset Reset

Reyes spoke of how conviction, not fleeting confidence, carried him forward, adding that honing his Christian faith has played a big part in regaining perspective. He said he had been “forged in the fire,” and acknowledged he was no longer worried about confidence because conviction holds him up.

Health Scare and Layoff

Complicating matters, Reyes dealt with a health scare involving deep vein thrombosis, which derailed two scheduled bouts with Carlos Ulberg in January and March 2024. He also underwent labrum surgery in early 2023, sidelining him from full training for six months.

Breakthrough with Jacoby

On returning June 8, 2024, against Dustin Jacoby, Reyes snapped the four-fight skid with a first-round KO via piston left hands. It had been 1,700 days since his last UFC win.

Second KO in the Resurgence

Reyes followed up by scoring a TKO in round 2 over Anthony Smith at UFC 310 on December 7, 2024, landing elbows and punches to finish the fight.

Third Consecutive KO

Maintaining momentum, Reyes delivered a first-round knockout with a straight left punch against Nikita Krylov on April 12, 2025, at UFC 314.

Overall Record and KO Prowess

Dominick Reyes holds a professional MMA record of 15-4-0, including 10 wins by KO/TKO (approximately 66 %), supported by 2 submission wins (13 %), and 3 wins by decision (20 %). His four losses include three by KO/TKO and one by decision. His next fight is scheduled for September 27, 2025

Reyes will headline UFC Fight Night 260 in Perth against Carlos Ulberg on September 27, 2025—a fight that, if won, could push him firmly back into title contention. As anticipation builds, sportsbooks are already adjusting lines to reflect his recent surge. Platforms such as Fanatics Sportsbook highlight the renewed betting interest, with his three-fight knockout streak giving oddsmakers and fans plenty to analyze. This betting buzz mirrors the narrative of his redemption—showing how Reyes’s resurgence is capturing attention both inside and outside the Octagon.

Summary Outlook

From a dominant 12-0 start, through four painful losses and personal turmoil, to a knockout streak of three fights, Dominick Reyes stands as perhaps more dangerous than before. A victory over Carlos Ulberg in Perth could do more than redeem him—it might relaunch him into a light heavyweight title conversation.